Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Asylum
A-sy′lum
,Noun.
pl. E.
Asylums
, L. Asyla
. [L.
asylum
, Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] exempt from spoliation, inviolable; ἀ
priv. + [GREEK] right of seizure.] 1.
A sanctuary or place of refuge and protection, where criminals and debtors found shelter, and from which they could not be forcibly taken without sacrilege.
So sacred was the church to some, that it had the right of an
asylum
or sanctuary. Ayliffe.
☞ The name was anciently given to temples, altars, statues of the gods, and the like. In later times Christian churches were regarded as asylums in the same sense.
2.
Any place of retreat and security.
Earth has no other
asylum
for them than its own cold bosom. Southey.
3.
An institution for the protection or relief of some class of destitute, unfortunate, or afflicted persons;
as, an
asylum
for the aged, for the blind, or for the insane; a lunatic asylum
; an orphan asylum
.Webster 1828 Edition
Asylum
ASY'LUM
,Noun.
1.
A sanctuary, or place of refuge, where criminals and debtors shelter themselves from justice, and from which they cannot be taken without sacrilege. Temples and altars were anciently asylums; as were tombs, statues and monuments. The ancient heathens allowed asylums for the protection of the vilest criminals; and the Jews had their cities of refuge.2.
Any place of retreat and security.