tab·er·na·cle 
(tăbər-năk′əl)
(tăbər-năk′əl)n.
1. often Tabernacle Bible The portable sanctuary in which the Jews housed the Ark of the Covenant during their years in the desert.
2. often Tabernacle A case or box on a church altar containing the consecrated host and wine of the Eucharist.
3. A place of worship.
4. A niche for a statue or relic.
5. Nautical A boxlike support in which the heel of a mast is stepped.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin tabernāculum, from Latin, tent, diminutive of taberna, hut; see TAVERN.]
tab′er·nacu·lar (-năkyə-lər) adj.