Also 7 teucalli. [Mexican teocallí, f. teotl god + callí house.] A structure for purposes of worship among the ancient Mexicans and Central Americans, usually consisting of a four-sided truncated pyramid built terrace-wise, and surmounted by a temple.
1613. Purchas, Pilgrimage, VIII. xii. 670. Gomara saith, that this and other their Temples were called Teucalli, which signifieth Gods house.
1843. Prescott, Mexico, II. viii. (1850), I. 304. The floor and walls of the teocalli were then cleansed, by command of Cortés, from their foul impurities.
1844. Longf., Arsenal at Springfield, v. And Aztec priests upon their teocallis [rhyme palace] Beat the wild war-drums.
1852. Th. Ross, Humboldt’s Trav., Introd. 17. A description of the teocalli, or Mexican pyramids.
