ark of the covenant

2 definitions found

ark of the covenant - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Ark \Ark\ ([aum]rk), n. [OE. ark, arke, arche, AS. arc, earc,
     earce, fr. L. arca, fr. arcere to inclose, keep off; akin to
     Gr. 'arkei^n to keep off.]
     1. A chest, or coffer. [Obs.]
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Bearing that precious relic in an ark. --Spenser.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Jewish Hist.) The oblong chest of acacia wood, overlaid
        with gold, which supported the mercy seat with its golden
        cherubs, and occupied the most sacred place in the
        sanctuary. In it Moses placed the two tables of stone
        containing the ten commandments. Called also the Ark of  the Covenant
        .
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. The large, chestlike vessel in which Noah and his family
        were preserved during the Deluge. --Gen. vi. Hence: Any
        place of refuge.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. A large flatboat used on Western American rivers to
        transport produce to market.
        [1913 Webster]

ark of the covenant - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  Ark of the Covenant
      n 1: (Judaism) sacred chest where the ancient Hebrews kept the
           two tablets containing the Ten Commandments [syn: Ark,
           Ark of the Covenant]