[asy.lum] n [ME, fr. L, fr. Gk asylon, neut. of asylos inviolable, fr. a- + sylon right of seizure] (15c) 1: an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and debtors: sanctuary
2: a place of retreat and security: shelter 3 a: the protection or inviolability afforded by an asylum: refuge b: protection from arrest and extradition given esp. to political refugees by a nation or by an embassy or other agency enjoying diplomatic immunity
4: an institution for the care of the destitute or sick and esp. the insane