[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

tabernacle \tab"ernacle\, n. f., fr. l. tabernaculum, dim. of
   taberna nut. see tabern.
   1. a slightly built or temporary habitation; especially, a
      tent.
      1913 webster

            dwelling in tabernacles with isaac and jacob. --heb.
                                                  xi. 9.
      1913 webster

            orange trees planted in the ground, and secured in
            winter with a wooden tabernacle and stoves.
                                                  --evelyn.
      1913 webster

   2. jewish antiq. a portable structure of wooden framework
      covered with curtains, which was carried through the
      wilderness in the israelitish exodus, as a place of
      sacrifice and worship. --ex. xxvi.
      1913 webster

   3. hence, the jewish temple; sometimes, any other place for
      worship. --acts xv. 16.
      1913 webster

   4. figuratively: the human body, as the temporary abode of
      the soul.
      1913 webster

            shortly i must put off this my tabernacle. --2 pet.
                                                  i. 14.
      1913 webster

   5. any small cell, or like place, in which some holy or
      precious things was deposited or kept. specifically: 
      1913 webster
      a the ornamental receptacle for the pyx, or for the
          consecrated elements, whether a part of a building or
          movable.
          1913 webster
      b a niche for the image of a saint, or for any sacred
          painting or sculpture.
          1913 webster
      c hence, a work of art of sacred subject, having a
          partially architectural character, as a solid frame
          resting on a bracket, or the like.
          1913 webster
      d a tryptich for sacred imagery.
          1913 webster
      e a seat or stall in a choir, with its canopy.
          1913 webster

   6. naut. a boxlike step for a mast with the after side
      open, so that the mast can be lowered to pass under
      bridges, etc.
      1913 webster

   feast of tabernacles jewish antiq., one of the three
      principal festivals of the jews, lasting seven days,
      during which the people dwelt in booths formed of the
      boughs of trees, in commemoration of the habitation of
      their ancestors in similar dwellings during their
      pilgrimage in the wilderness.

   tabernacle work, rich canopy work like that over the head
      of niches, used over seats or stalls, or over sepulchral
      monuments. --oxf. gloss.
      1913 webster
see also:
tabern feast of tabernacles tabernacle work 

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