Webster's English Dictionary

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purgatory

pur.ga.to.ry \'p*r-g*-.to-r-e-, -.to.r-\ n [ME, fr. AF or ML; AF 
   purgatorie, fr. ML purgatorium, fr. LL, neut.] of purgatorius purging, fr. 
   L purgatus, pp. of purgare 1: an intermediate state after death for 
   expiatory purification; specif)X : a place or state of punishment wherein 
   according to Roman Catholic doctrine the souls of those who die in God's 
   grace may expiate venial sins or satisfy divine justice for the temporal 
   punishment still due to remitted mortal sin 2: a place or state of 
   temporary punishment