I. ˈtabə(r)ˌnakəl noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin tabernaculum (translation of Hebrew ōhel mō'ēd ), from Latin, tent, diminutive of taberna hut — more at tavern
1.
a. often capitalized : a portable sanctuary consisting of a rectangular wooden framework covered with curtains and carried by the Israelites during their wanderings of the Exodus as a holy dwelling place for their God and as a place for worship — called also tent of meeting
b. : a dwelling place : habitation — used formerly of the body as the temporary abode of the soul
true image of the Father … enshrined in fleshly tabernacle — John Milton
c. archaic : a temporary shelter : hut , tent
a place wherein to pitch their tabernacle and pursue their fortune — J.H.Burton
2.
a. : a canopied niche or recess usually framed by columns or pilasters and having a corbel or bracket (as for a statue) — compare baldachin
b. : an ecclesiastical receptacle for the consecrated elements of the Eucharist ; especially : an ornamental locked box resting on the middle of the altar and containing the pyx
3.
a. : a temporary place of worship : one not conforming to traditional church architecture ; especially : a meetinghouse with a large assembly hall
Mormon tabernacle
b. : a building or shelter used predominantly for evangelistic services
the camp meeting is held each year … under a big open-air tabernacle — Green Peyton
4.
a. : a boxlike support above deck in which the heel of a mast is stepped and pivoted so that it can be lowered to rest on the deck (as for negotiating a low bridge)
b. : a similar device in an open boat fitted from keel to thwart
II. verb
( tabernacled ; tabernacled ; tabernacling -k(ə)liŋ ; tabernacles )
Etymology: Medieval Latin tabernaculare (translation of Greek skēnoun to pitch tent, encamp), from Late Latin & Latin tabernaculum
intransitive verb
: to take up temporary residence : sojourn ; especially : to inhabit a physical body
the Logos has become flesh, and has tabernacled among men — S.A.Cook
transitive verb
archaic : to deposit in a tabernacle : enshrine