/sak"reuh lij/ , n.
1. the violation or profanation of anything sacred or held sacred.
2. an instance of this.
3. the stealing of anything consecrated to the service of God.
[ 1275-1325; ME sacrilegium, equiv. to sacri- (comb. form of sacrum holy place) + leg ( ere ) to steal, lit., gather + -ium -IUM ]