Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Tabernacle \Tab"er*na*cle\, n. [F., fr. L. tabernaculum, dim. of
   taberna nut. See {Tabern}.]
   1. A slightly built or temporary habitation; especially, a
      tent.

            Dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob. --Heb.
                                                  xi. 9.

            Orange trees planted in the ground, and secured in
            winter with a wooden tabernacle and stoves.
                                                  --Evelyn.

   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.

   3. Hence, the Jewish temple; sometimes, any other place for
      worship. --Acts xv. 16.

   4. Figuratively: The human body, as the temporary abode of
      the soul.

            Shortly I must put off this my tabernacle. --2 Pet.
                                                  i. 14.

   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.