5. Any small cell, or like place, in which some holy or precious things
was deposited or kept. Specifically: —
(a) The ornamental receptacle for the pyx, or for the consecrated
elements, whether a part of a building or movable.
(b) A niche for the image of a saint, or for any sacred painting or
sculpture.
(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.
(d) A tryptich for sacred imagery.
(e) A seat or stall in a choir, with its canopy.
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.
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.
Tab"er*na*cle, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Tabernacled (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Tabernacling (?).] To dwell or reside for a time; to be temporary
housed.
He assumed our nature, and tabernacled among us in the flesh.
Dr. J. Scott.
Tab`er*nac"u*lar (?), a. 1. Of or pertaining to a tabernacle,
especially the Jewish tabernacle.