asylum

n.; pl. E. Asylums L. Asyla [ L. asylum, Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; exempt from spoliation, inviolable; 'a priv. + &unr_; right of seizure. ] 1. A sanctuary or place of refuge and protection, where criminals and debtors found shelter, and from which they could not be forcibly taken without sacrilege. [ 1913 Webster ]

So sacred was the church to some, that it had the right of an asylum or sanctuary. Ayliffe. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The name was anciently given to temples, altars, statues of the gods, and the like. In later times Christian churches were regarded as asylums in the same sense. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Any place of retreat and security. [ 1913 Webster ]

Earth has no other asylum for them than its own cold bosom. Southey. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. An institution for the protection or relief of some class of destitute, unfortunate, or afflicted persons; as, an asylum for the aged, for the blind, or for the insane; a lunatic asylum; an orphan asylum. [ 1913 Webster ]