1 an ancient Roman public hall with an apse and colonnades, used as a lawcourt and place of assembly.
2 a similar building used as a Christian church.
3 a church having special privileges from the Pope.
Derivatives:
basilican adj.
Etymology: L f. Gk basilike (oikia, stoa) royal (house, portico) f. basileus king
Useful english dictionary. 2012.