\A*sy"lum\, n.; pl. E. {Asylums}, L. {Asyla}. [L. asylum,
Gr. ?, fr. ? exempt from spoliation, inviolable; 'a priv. + ?
right of seizure.]
1. A sanctuary or place of refuge and protection, where
   criminals and debtors found shelter, and from which they
   could not be forcibly taken without sacrilege.
         So sacred was the church to some, that it had the
         right of an asylum or sanctuary.      --Ayliffe.
Note: The name was anciently given to temples, altars,
      statues of the gods, and the like. In later times
      Christian churches were regarded as asylums in the same
      sense.
2. Any place of retreat and security.
         Earth has no other asylum for them than its own cold
         bosom.                                --Southey.
3. An institution for the protection or relief of some class
   of destitute, unfortunate, or afflicted persons; as, an
   asylum for the aged, for the blind, or for the insane; a
   lunatic asylum; an orphan asylum.