A public building of ancient Rome having a central nave with an apse at one or both ends and two side aisles formed by rows of columns, which was used as a courtroom or assembly hall.
A Christian church building of a similar design, having a nave with a semicircular apse, two or four side aisles, a narthex, and a clerestory.
Roman Catholic Church A church that has been accorded certain privileges by the pope.
[Latin, from Greek basilikē, from feminine of basilikos, royal, from basileus, king.]
ba·sil'i·can (-kən) adj.
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