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

He was then conducted to a teocalli some three miles from the city of Mexico.

From The Mythologies of Ancient Mexico and Peru by Spence, Lewis

Inside these were kept the idols of the gods to whom the teocalli was sacred.

From The Mythologies of Ancient Mexico and Peru by Spence, Lewis

And there loomed once more that dreaded teocalli, whence the war-drum's mournful notes were heard.

From Mexico Its Ancient and Modern Civilisation, History, Political Conditions, Topography, Natural Resources, Industries and General Development by Hume, Martin

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)

One strong party, with a number of priests at its head, got possession of the great teocalli.

From William Hickling Prescott by Peck, Harry Thurston