ˈsæŋktjuərɪ n. (pl. -ies) 1 a
holy place; a
church, temple, etc. 2 a
the inmost recess or holiest
part of a temple etc. b the part of the
chancel containing the
high altar. 3 a place
where birds,
wild animals,
etc., are
bred and protected. 4 a place of
refuge,
esp.
for political refugees. 5 a
immunity from arrest. b the
right to
offer this. 6
hist. a
sacred place where a
fugitive from the
law or a
debtor was secured by
medieval Church law
against arrest or
violence. øtake sanctuary
resort to a place of refuge. [ME f. AF sanctuarie, OF sanctuaire f. L sanctuarium (as SAINT)]