Definition of basilica
1
: an oblong building ending in a semicircular apse used in ancient Rome especially for a court of justice and place of public assembly
2
: an early Christian church building consisting of nave and aisles with clerestory and a large high transept from which an apse projects
3
: a Roman Catholic church given ceremonial privileges
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for basilica
The first known use of basilica was in 1541
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