seraglio

American  

[si-ral-yoh, -rahl-] / sɪˈræl yoʊ, -ˈrɑl- /

noun

PLURAL

seraglios

1. the part of a Muslim house or palace in which the wives and concubines are secluded; harem.

2. a Turkish palace, especially of the sultan.

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seraglio British  

/ -ˈreɪl, səˈraɪ, -ˈraɪl, sɛˈrɑːlɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. the harem of a Muslim house or palace

2. a sultan's palace, esp in the former Turkish empire

3. the wives and concubines of a Muslim

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Etymology

Origin of seraglio

1575–85; < Italian serraglio < Persian sarāy palace; sense development in Italian perhaps influenced by serrare to lock up

Example Sentences

But with the Prince Andrew imbroglio in the seraglio of Jeffrey Epstein, and with Harry’s run for the Hollywood Hills, it is clear that many in her family are not interested in moral authority.

From New York Times

Oft doth reason, enthroned in the pillowed seraglio of the brain, hang back; whereas the flesh, which must walk abroad in the streets, finds its own temerity.

From Literature

Decision-making sounds more like palace intrigues in a sultan’s seraglio than policy formulation in a republic.

From Seattle Times

“Old Joe’s Mormon seraglio” quickly became a stock phrase in the nation’s newspapers, despite the Saints’ heated denials.

From Salon

"Think of it!" the former Labour leader teased, "a second chamber selected by whips: a seraglio of eunuchs".

From BBC