sanctum sanctorum

American  

[sangk-tawr-uhm, -tohr-] / sæŋkˈtɔr əm, -ˈtoʊr- /

noun

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

2. sanctum.

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sanctum sanctorum British  

/ sæŋkˈtɔːrəm /

noun

1. Bible another term for the holy of holies

2. facetious  an especially private place

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sanctum sanctorum Cultural  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of sanctum sanctorum

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

Example Sentences

The current controversy centres around two idols of Dwarapalakas - or the door guards that stand just outside the sanctum sanctorum where the main deity sits.

From BBC

The idol has been placed on a marble pedestal in the sanctum sanctorum.

From BBC

The first mob attack took place on Saturday when an unidentified man stepped inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine for Sikhs, in Amritsar.

From New York Times

There were suggestions that some had found their way into the entrails of the stadium, reaching as far as Old Trafford’s sanctum sanctorum, the home team’s changing room.

From New York Times

Then the riot the next day found marauders in the Senate chamber, Mr. McConnell’s sanctum sanctorum.

From New York Times