I. ˈta-bər-ˌna-kəl noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin tabernaculum, from Latin, tent, from taberna hut
Date: 13th century
1.
a. often capitalized : a tent sanctuary used by the Israelites during the Exodus
b. archaic : a dwelling place
c. archaic : a temporary shelter : tent
2. : a receptacle for the consecrated elements of the Eucharist ; especially : an ornamental locked box used for reserving the Communion hosts
3. : a house of worship ; specifically : a large building or tent used for evangelistic services
• tab·er·nac·u·lar ˌta-bər-ˈna-kyə-lər adjective
II. intransitive verb
( tab·er·na·cled ; tab·er·na·cling -ˌna-k(ə-)liŋ)
Date: 1653
: to take up temporary residence ; especially : to inhabit a physical body