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Purgatory

//ˈpɝɡəˌtɔɹi// adj, name, noun

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Tending to cleanse; expiatory.

    "Last of all, the prodigie of Siracusa was expiat by a purgatory sacrifice, by direction from the soothsaiers to what gods, supplications and sacrifice should be made."

Proper Noun
  1. 1
    An intermediate state after death in which some of those ultimately destined for Heaven must first undergo purification.
Noun
  1. 1
    Alternative letter-case form of Purgatory. alt-of, countable, uncountable
  2. 2
    (theology) in Roman Catholic theology the place where those who have died in a state of grace undergo limited torment to expiate their sins wordnet
  3. 3
    Any situation where suffering is endured, particularly as part of a process of redemption. countable, uncountable

    "[…] many Gods breedeth heathens miseries, many countries trauailers humors, many wiues mens purgatories, and many friends trustes ruine:"

  4. 4
    a temporary condition of torment or suffering wordnet

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English purgatorie, from Old French purgatore, purgatorie, from Latin purgātōrium (“cleansing”). Cognate to English purge.

Etymology 2

From Middle English purgatorie, from Old French purgatore, purgatorie, from Latin purgātōrium (“cleansing”). Cognate to English purge.

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