n. 1 hist. a tent used as a sanctuary for the Ark of the Covenant by the Israelites during the Exodus. 2 Eccl. a canopied niche or receptacle esp. for the Eucharistic elements. 3 a place of worship in nonconformist creeds. 4 Bibl. a fixed or movable habitation usu. of light construction. 5 Naut. a socket or double post for a hinged mast that can be lowered to pass under low bridges. feast of Tabernacles = SUCCOTH. tabernacled adj.
[ ME f. OF tabernacle or L tabernaculum tent, dimin. of taberna hut ]