Noun

(en noun)

(architecture) A semicircular projection from a building, especially the rounded east end of a church that contains the altar.

The bishop's seat or throne in ancient churches.

A reliquary, or case in which the relics of saints were kept.

(astronomy, obsolete) The nearest and furthest points to the centre of gravitational attraction for a body in orbit. More usually called an apsis.

(obsolete, or, dialectal) An aspen tree.

Noun

(sanctuaries)

A place of safety, refuge or protection.

* {{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham)

, title=(The China Governess) , chapter=Foreword citation , passage=‘I understand that the district was considered a sort of sanctuary ,’ the Chief was saying. ‘An Alsatia like the ancient one behind the Strand, or the Saffron Hill before the First World War. […]’}}

My car is a sanctuary , where none can disturb me except for people who cut me off.

An area set aside for protection.

The bird sanctuary has strict restrictions on visitors so the birds aren't disturbed.

A state of being protected, asylum.

The government granted sanctuary to the defector, protecting him from his former government.

The consecrated (or sacred) area of a church or temple around its tabernacle or altar.