A temple (from the Latin word templum) is a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities, such as prayer and sacrifice, or analogous rites. A templum constituted a sacred precinct as defined by a priest, or augur. It has the same root as the word "template," a plan in preparation of the building that was marked out on the ground by the augur. Templa also became associated with the dwelling places of a god or gods. Despite the specific set of meanings associated with the religion of the ancient Rome, the word has now become quite widely used to describe a house of worship for any number of religions and is even used for time periods prior to the Romans.
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Famous quotes containing the word temple:
“After Voltaire: envy is chained to the portico of the temple of glory and can neither enter nor leave.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“One sorry fret,
An anvill Sparke, rose higher,
And in thy Temple falling, almost set
The house on fire.
Such fireballs dropping in the Temple Flame
Burns up the building: Lord, forbid the same.”
—Edward Taylor (1645–1729)
“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, who rules all creation!
O my soul, worship the source of thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, Now to God’s temple draw near;
Join me in glad adoration!”
—Joachim Neander (1650–1680)