Temple

Temple

A temple (from the Latin word templum) is a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities, such as prayer and sacrifice, or analogous rites. A templum constituted a sacred precinct as defined by a priest, or augur. It has the same root as the word "template," a plan in preparation of the building that was marked out on the ground by the augur. Templa also became associated with the dwelling places of a god or gods. Despite the specific set of meanings associated with the religion of the ancient Rome, the word has now become quite widely used to describe a house of worship for any number of religions and is even used for time periods prior to the Romans.

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Famous quotes containing the word temple:

    The despot’s heel is on thy shore,
    Maryland!
    His torch is at thy temple door,
    Maryland!
    Avenge the patriotic gore
    That flecked the streets of Baltimore,
    And be the battle-queen of yore,
    Maryland! my Maryland!
    James Ryder Randall (1839–1908)

    But what we gain’d in Skill we lost in Strength.
    Our Builders were with Want of Genius curst;
    The second Temple was not like the first;
    Till you, the best Vitruvius, come at length,
    Our Beauties equal, but excel our Strength.
    John Dryden (1631–1700)

    Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, who rules all creation!
    O my soul, worship the source of thy health and salvation!
    All ye who hear, Now to God’s temple draw near;
    Join me in glad adoration!
    Joachim Neander (1650–1680)