Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—A

Asylum

means, literally, a place where pillage is forbidden (Greek, a (negative), sulon, right of pillage). The ancients set apart certain places of refuge, where the vilest criminals were protected, both from private and public assaults.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Asyniur
Astrophel
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