Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

TABERNACLE, n. 1. As in Eng., in allusion to the Biblicaluse of the word = the body, as the dwelling-place of the spirit, e.g. 2 Cor. v.1, 4, 1 Pet. i. 13–14. Sc. phr. to keep up the tabernacle, to keep in good physical condition, to look after oneself well.Sc. 1825 Jam.:
For a' the sair wark he speaks about, he ay keeps up the tabernacle.

2. A meeting-house or place of worship of the Independents or Congregationalists. In Eng. the word is applied to those of the Methodists or Baptists. Hence comb. tabernacle-people, the Congregational denomination.Sc. 1805 J. Brown Vind. Presb. Ch. Govt. ii. 13:
The tabernacle-churches in Scotland require their members to stand in singing.