purgatory
noun
- intermediate state after death for purification, according to the belief of some Christians
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈpɝɡəˌtɔɹi/ / /ˈpɜːɡət(ə)ɹi/
adj
Etymology: From Middle English purgatorie, from Old French purgatore, purgatorie, from Latin purgātōrium (“cleansing”). Cognate to English purge.
- 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.”
“This purgatory interval is not unfavourable to a faithless representative, who may be as good a canvasser as he was a bad governor.”
name
- An intermediate state after death in which some of those ultimately destined for Heaven must first undergo purification.
noun
Etymology: From Middle English purgatorie, from Old French purgatore, purgatorie, from Latin purgātōrium (“cleansing”). Cognate to English purge.
- Alternative letter-case form of Purgatory.
- Any situation where suffering is endured, particularly as part of a process of redemption.
“the purgatory of lost love”
“[…] many Gods breedeth heathens miseries, many countries trauailers humors, many wiues mens purgatories, and many friends trustes ruine:”