ba-sil'-i-ca, n. [Gr. basilikê stoa, royal portico, from basilikos, royal.]

1. In ancient Rome, a building of rectangular shape, with a broad nave ending in a semi-circular apse, and flanked by colonnaded aisles, used as a court of justice and place of public assembly.

2. An early Christian church, which generally followed the same ground plan as (1).

3. A Roman Catholic Church with special ceremonial privileges.

4. In the Middle Ages, a large building erected over the tomb of a notable person.