Main Entry:

¹tab·er·na·cle

Pronunciation:

\ˈta-bər-ˌna-kəl\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin tabernaculum, from Latin, tent, from taberna hut

Date:

13th century

1 aoften capitalized : a tent sanctuary used by the Israelites during the Exodus barchaic : a dwelling place carchaic : a temporary shelter : tent2: a receptacle for the consecrated elements of the Eucharist ; especially : an ornamental locked box used for reserving the Communion hosts3: a house of worship ; specifically : a large building or tent used for evangelistic services

— tab·er·nac·u·lar \ˌta-bər-ˈna-kyə-lər\ adjective