noun
definition
(often plural) An underground system of tunnels and chambers with recesses for graves, used (in former times) as a cemetery; a tunnel system used for burying the dead, as in Paris or Ancient Rome.
Examples of catacomb in a Sentence
At Taormina in Sicily is a Saracenic catacomb, also Taornlna.
This catacomb contains an unquestionable example of a church, divided into a nave and chancel, with a rude stone altar and bishop's seat behind it.
Stevenson, since dead, discovered in 1896 a small subterranean basilica in the catacomb of Santi Pietro e Marcellino on the Via Labicana, with pious acclamations on the plaster similar to those in the Papal crypt in St Calixtus.
In 5890 the first Christian catacomb bearing a distinct date (491) was discovered.
Catacomb of benches cut out of the tufa rock.
Just outside the south wall is a Roman necropolis, with massive tombs in masonry, and a Christian catacomb, and a little farther south a tomb in two stories, a mixture of Doric and Ionic architecture, belonging probably to the 2nd century B.C., though groundlessly called Dimensions in English feet.
Fabian was martyred during the persecution under the emperor Decius, his death taking place on the 10th of January 250, and was buried in the catacomb of Calixtus, where a memorial has been found.
In this sense the word " catacomb " has gained universal acceptance, and has found a place in most modern languages.
It is true that a catacomb is often connected with the earlier sand-quarry, and starts from it as a commencement, but the two are excavated in different strata, suitable to their respective purposes, and their plan and construction are so completely unlike as to render any confusion between them impossible.
Passing to Egypt, a small Christian catacomb at Alexandria is described and figured by de Rossi.'
The tombs in some instances form subterranean groups more analogous to the general idea of a catacomb.
Hot water was mixt with the wine in the Greek churches for some centuries, and this custom is seen in catacomb paintings.
The man who drew in the dark catacomb the secret symbol of Christ was persecuted in a very different fashion.
The churches are linked by carved channels and tunnels, which give the site the layout of a vast catacomb.
These conspiracy theorists claim that a catacomb of underground tunnels that connect around the globe still exist from the last cataclysm and have been revamped to accommodate those in power.
In 1899-1900 were discovered two opposite cubicula in the catacomb of Santi Pietro e Marcellino.
Quickly, he and the villagers force it into subterranean catacomb.