n. 1 a building devoted to the worship, or regarded as the dwelling-place, of a god or gods or other objects of religious reverence. 2 hist. any of three successive religious buildings of the Jews in Jerusalem. 3 US a synagogue. 4 a place of Christian public worship, esp. a Protestant church in France. 5 a place in which God is regarded as residing, esp. a Christian's person or body. temple block a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow block of wood which is struck with a stick.
[ OE temp(e)l, reinforced in ME by OF temple, f. L templum open or consecrated space ]