loculus

[ lok-yuh-luh s ]

/ ˈlɒk yə ləs /

Biology. locule.

Ecclesiastical. a compartment in an altar, in which relics are kept.

a recess in an ancient catacomb or tomb, where a body or cinerary urn was placed.

Origin of loculus

1855–60; < New Latin, special use of Latin loculus, diminutive of locus place; see locus, -ule

in·ter·loc·u·lus, noun, plural in·ter·loc·u·li.

At the head and foot of the Loculus were iron rings whereby it could be lifted.

Past and Present |Thomas Carlyle
And the loculus was placed in the shrine, and the shrine for the present closed.

Curiosities of Christian History |Croake James
Interment in the wall-recess or loculus, though infinitely the most common, was not the only mode employed in the catacombs.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 |Various
The body was then lifted to its place in the shrine, and the panels of the loculus refixed.

Curiosities of Christian History |Croake James

The picture we are about to examine is found over a loculus or grave in this cemetery of Priscilla.

The Irish Ecclesiastical Record, Volume 1, February, 1865 |Various