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.
Phrases and idioms:
feast of Tabernacles SUCCOTH.
Derivatives:
tabernacled adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF tabernacle or L tabernaculum tent, dimin. of taberna hut