sanctum sanctorum

[sangk-tawr-uhm, -tohr-]

noun

1. the holy of holies of the Biblical tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem.

2. sanctum.

sanctum sanctorum

/ sæŋkˈtɔːrəm /

noun

1. Bible another term for the holy of holies

2. facetious,  an especially private place

sanctum sanctorum

1. Latin for “holy of holies.” The place in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem (see also Jerusalem) where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. By extension, a sacred and private place.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctum sanctorum¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin sānctum sānctōrum, translation of Hebrew qōdhesh haqqodhāshīm holy of holies

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanctum sanctorum¹

C14: from Latin, literally: holy of holies, rendering Hebrew qōdesh haqqodāshīm