1. (n.) A sacred place; a consecrated spot; a holy and inviolable site.

2. (n.) The most retired part of the temple at Jerusalem, called the Holy of Holies, in which was kept the ark of the covenant, and into which no person was permitted to enter except the high priest, and he only once a year, to intercede for the people; also, the most sacred part of the tabernacle; also, the temple at Jerusalem.

3. (n.) The most sacred part of any religious building, esp. that part of a Christian church in which the altar is placed.

4. (n.) A house consecrated to the worship of God; a place where divine service is performed; a church, temple, or other place of worship.

5. (n.) A sacred and inviolable asylum; a place of refuge and protection; shelter; refuge; protection.

Indian reservation adytum archives asylum bank bird sanctuary bolt-hole cache chapel church concealment corner cover covert coverture cranny cubby cubbyhole dark corner den dugout forest preserve foxhole funk hole game preserve game reserve game sanctuary harbor harbor of refuge harborage haven hideaway hideout hidey hole hiding hiding place hole holy of holies holy place house of God house of worship lair library mosque museum national forest national park niche nook oasis pagoda paradise park port preserve protection recess refuge reservation reserve retreat sacrarium safe haven safehold safety sanctum sanctum sanctorum secret place shelter shrine snug harbor stash state forest store stronghold synagogue temple undercovert wilderness preserve wildlife preserve