n (Old Testament) The portable tent used before the construction of the temple, where the shekinah (presence of God) was believed to dwell.
n transferred to the Jewish Temple at Jerusalem as continuing the functions of the earlier tabernacle
n Any portable shrine used in heathen or idolatrous worship
n A sukkah, the booth or 'tabernacle' used during the Jewish Feast of Sukkot.
n A small ornamented cupboard or box used for the reserved sacrament of the Eucharist, normally located in an especially prominent place in a Roman Catholic church.
n (US) A temporary place of worship, especially a tent, for a tent meeting, as with a venue for revival meetings.
n (figuratively) of any abode or dwelling place, especially of the human body as the temporary dwelling place of the soul, or life
n (nautical) A hinged device allowing for the easy folding of a mast 90 degrees from perpendicular, as for transporting the boat on a trailer, or passing under a bridge.