ritual site; execution ground
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
place where Buddhist or Taoist priests perform rituals; ceremonial ground
Originally borrowed from the term for execution grounds, later adopted by religious practitioners to mean a site for Buddhist or Taoist ceremonies. Often used in religious or literary contexts.
A ritual site was set up in the temple to deliver the souls of the dead from suffering.
The Taoist priests set up an altar at the ceremonial ground to perform rituals, praying for good weather.
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Buddhist ritual sites are usually arranged to be solemn and dignified.
noun
execution ground (in former times); place where death sentences were carried out
archaicRefers to historical sites for public executions in imperial China. Frequently appears in classical literature, historical dramas, and wuxia novels.
The prisoner was escorted to the execution ground to be put to death.
Execution grounds in ancient times were usually set up in the city center as a warning to others.
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At the supervising official's command, the executioner on the execution ground raised his large blade.