teocalli

American  

[tee-uh-kal-ee, tey-uh-kah-lee, te-aw-kah-yee] / ˌti əˈkæl i, ˌteɪ əˈkɑ li, ˌtɛ ɔˈkɑ yi /

noun

plural

teocallis

1. a ceremonial structure of the Aztecs, consisting of a truncated terraced pyramid supporting a temple.

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teocalli British  

/ ˌtiːəʊˈkælɪ /

noun

1. any of various truncated pyramids built by the Aztecs as bases for their temples

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Etymology

Origin of teocalli

1605–15; < Nahuatl, equivalent to teō ( tl ) god + calli house

Example Sentences

When we examine the American continent, with a view to its ancient occupancy, we perceive its surface scarified with moats and walls—its alluvial level plains and vallies bearing mounds, teocalli and pyramids.

From Incentives to the Study of the Ancient Period of American History An address, delivered before the New York Historical Society, at its forty-second anniversary, 17th November 1846 by Schoolcraft, Henry Rowe

The Cathedral is upon the northern side of the Grand Plaza, and is said to occupy the site of the great teocalli, and to have a rocky foundation.

From Mexico and its Religion With Incidents of Travel in That Country During Parts of the Years 1851-52-53-54, and Historical Notices of Events Connected With Places Visited by Wilson, Robert A.

One large body, headed by the priests, made a stand upon the great central teocalli.

From By Right of Conquest Or, With Cortez in Mexico by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

Hickman County had a teocalli, or temple, ten feet high, thirty feet wide, and four hundred and fifty feet long.

From Stories of Old Kentucky by Purcell, Martha Grassham

The funeral piles were erected in the courtyard before the palace, and were made of arrows, javelins, and other weapons drawn by the emperor's permission from those stored round the great teocalli.

From The True Story Book by Lang, Andrew