a slightly built or temporary habitation; especially, a tent.-a portable structure of wooden framework covered with curtains, which was carried through the wilderness in the israelitish exodus, as a place of sacrifice and worship.-hence, the jewish temple; sometimes, any other place for worship.-figuratively: the human body, as the temporary abode of the soul.-any small cell, or like place, in which some holy or precious things was deposited or kept.-the ornamental receptacle for the pyx, or for the consecrated elements, whether a part of a building or movable.-a niche for the image of a saint, or for any sacred painting or sculpture.-hence, a work of art of sacred subject, having a partially architectural character, as a solid frame resting on a bracket, or the like.-a tryptich for sacred imagery.-a seat or stall in a choir, with its canopy.-a boxlike step for a mast with the after side open, so that the mast can be lowered to pass under bridges, etc.-to dwell or reside for a time; to be temporary housed.