Webster's English Dictionary

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asylum

asy.lum \*-'si--l*m\ n [ME, fr. L, fr. Gk asylon, neut. of asylos 
   inviolable, fr. a-] + sylon right of seizure 1: an inviolable place of 
   refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals  and debtors : SANCTUARY 
   2: a place of retreat and security : SHELTER  3a: the protection or 
   inviolability afforded by an asylum : REFUGE  3b: protection from arrest 
   and extradition given esp. to political refugees by a nation or by an 
   embassy or other agency enjoying diplomatic immunity 4: an institution for 
   the relief or care of the destitute or afflicted and  esp. the insane