Basilica \Ba*sil"i*ca\, n.; pl. Basilicas; sometimes
   Basilic[ae] (-s[=e]). [L. basilica, Gr. basilikh` (sc.
   o'iki`a or stoa` fr. basiliko`s royal, fr. basiley`s king.]
   1. Originally, the palace of a king; but afterward, an
      apartment provided in the houses of persons of importance,
      where assemblies were held for dispensing justice; and
      hence, any large hall used for this purpose.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Arch.)
      (a) A building used by the Romans as a place of public
          meeting, with court rooms, etc., attached.
      (b) A church building of the earlier centuries of
          Christianity, the plan of which was taken from the
          basilica of the Romans. The name is still applied to
          some churches by way of honorary distinction.
          [1913 Webster]