Definition of: purgatory

(pûr′gə·tôr′ē, -tō′rē) noun plural ·ries
1. In Roman Catholic theology, a state or place where the souls of those who have died penitent are made fit for paradise by expiating venial sins and undergoing any punishment remaining for previously forgiven sins.
2. Any place or state of temporary banishment, suffering, or punishment. [<AF purgatorie, OF purgatoire <Med. L purgatorium <L purgatorius cleansing <purgare PURGE]
—pur′ga·to′ri·al adjective