n. & adj.
n. (pl. -ies) 1 the condition or supposed place of spiritual cleansing, esp. (RC Ch.) of those dying in the grace of God but having to expiate venial sins etc. 2 a place or state of temporary suffering or expiation.
adj. purifying. purgatorial adj.
[ ME f. AF purgatorie, OF -oire f. med.L purgatorium, neut. of LL purgatorius (as PURGE) ]