- 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. - Any place of retreat and security. - 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.