Tabernacular

tab·er·na·cle  (tbr-nkl)

n.

1. often Tabernacle The portable sanctuary in which the Jews carried the Ark of the Covenant through the desert.

2. often Tabernacle A case or box on a church altar containing the consecrated host and wine of the Eucharist.

3. A place of worship.

4. A niche for a statue or relic.

5. Nautical A boxlike support in which the heel of a mast is stepped.

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[Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin tabernculum, from Latin, tent, diminutive of taberna, hut; see tavern.]

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taber·nacu·lar (-nky-lr) adj.