[puh-vil-yuh
n] 
| 1. | a light, usually open building used for shelter, concerts, exhibits, etc., as in a park or fair. |
| 2. | any of a number of separate or attached buildings forming a hospital or the like. |
| 3. | Architecture. a projecting element of a façade, used esp. at the center or at each end and usually treated so as to suggest a tower. |
| 4. | a tent, esp. a large and elaborate one. |
| 5. | a small, ornamental building in a garden. |
| 6. | Also called base. Jewelry. the part of a cut gem below the girdle. |
| 7. | to shelter in or as if in a pavilion. |
| 8. | to furnish with pavilions. |
pa·vil·ion (pə-vĭl'yən)  (click for larger image in new window) n.
[Middle English pavilon, from Old French pavillon, from Latin pāpiliō, pāpiliōn-, butterfly, tent.] |
Pavilion
a tent or tabernacle (2 Sam. 22:12; 1 Kings 20:12-16), or enclosure (Ps. 18:11; 27:5). In Jer. 43:10 it probably denotes the canopy suspended over the judgement-seat of the king.
pavilion
light temporary or semipermanent structure used in gardens and pleasure grounds. Although there are many variations, the basic type is a large, light, airy garden room with a high-peaked roof resembling a canopy. It was originally erected, like the modern canvas marquee, for special occasions such as fetes, garden banquets, and balls, but it became more permanent, and by the late 17th century the word was used for any garden building designed for use on special occasions.
Learn more about pavilion with a free trial on Britannica.com.