Emily Dickinson Lexicon

A-SY'LUM, n. [L. from Gr. αςυλον, safe from spoil, α and συλη, spoil, συλαω, to plunder.]

1. A sanctuary, or place of refuge, where criminals and debtors shelter themselves from justice, and from which they cannot be taken without sacrilege. Temples and altars were anciently asylums; as were tombs, statues, and monuments. The ancient heathens allowed asylums for the protection of the vilest criminals; and the Jews had their cities of refuge.
2. Any place of retreat and security.