See Also: catacomb(dictionary)
catacomb(encyclopedia)
catacomb(dictionary)

catacomb (iou)



catacomb noun. OE.
[Old & mod. French catacombes from late Latin catacumbas = sense 1 below (so named in 5th cent. AD): ult. origin unkn.]
In pl. & sing. The subterranean cemetery of St Sebastian near Rome, consisting of galleries or passages with recesses excavated in the sides for tombs. OE.
In pl. The many other Roman subterranean galleries; similar works elsewhere. M17.
sing. A single crypt or gallery in such works. rare. E18.
transf. A (wine) cellar. L18.