teocalli

American  

[tee-uh-kal-ee, tey-uh-kah-lee, te-aw-kah-yee] / ˌti əˈkæl i, ˌteɪ əˈkɑ li, ˌtɛ ɔˈkɑ yi /

noun

plural

teocallis

1. a ceremonial structure of the Aztecs, consisting of a truncated terraced pyramid supporting a temple.

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teocalli British  

/ ˌtiːəʊˈkælɪ /

noun

1. any of various truncated pyramids built by the Aztecs as bases for their temples

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Etymology

Origin of teocalli

1605–15; < Nahuatl, equivalent to teō ( tl ) god + calli house

Example Sentences

One strong party, with a number of priests at its head, got possession of the great teocalli.

From William Hickling Prescott by Peck, Harry Thurston

When we examine the American continent, with a view to its ancient occupancy, we perceive its surface scarified with moats and walls—its alluvial level plains and vallies bearing mounds, teocalli and pyramids.

From Incentives to the Study of the Ancient Period of American History An address, delivered before the New York Historical Society, at its forty-second anniversary, 17th November 1846 by Schoolcraft, Henry Rowe

And there loomed once more that dreaded teocalli, whence the war-drum's mournful notes were heard.

From Mexico Its Ancient and Modern Civilisation, History, Political Conditions, Topography, Natural Resources, Industries and General Development by Hume, Martin

It is a mass of basaltic rock nine feet in diameter and three in height, and was found in the great square in 1790, near the site of the large teocalli or pyramid.

From Mexico, Aztec, Spanish and Republican Vol. 1 of 2 A Historical, Geographical, Political, Statistical and Social Account of That Country From the Period of the Invasion by the Spaniards to the Present Time; With a View of the Ancient Aztec Empire and Civilization; A Historical Sketch of the Late War; And Notices of New Mexico and California by Mayer, Brantz

It was the great drum on the teocalli; the tambor of the war-god, sounded by vigilant priests, calling the people to vengeance and battle.

From Mexico Its Ancient and Modern Civilisation, History, Political Conditions, Topography, Natural Resources, Industries and General Development by Hume, Martin