Definition of "sanctum" [sanc•tum]

• A sacred or holy place. (noun)
• A private place where one is free from intrusion. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Department, "while beyond this second sanctum was a third door which led into the _sanctum sanctorum_ with its unexpected exit upon a narrow back hallway and a dusty flight of stairs by which it was possible without undue publicity to reach the street or, rather, the back lane where carters made deliveries."
• "The latter was out, so Frank accompanied his friend to what he called his sanctum,"
• "Around professional sports, these lockers tend to be the most coveted by athletes, providing a quick escape from the media whenever the players 'inner sanctum is open to public inspection."