noun pl. calvaries -·ries

1. Bible the place near Jerusalem where the crucifixion of Jesus took place: Luke 23:33, Matt. 27:33
2. an outdoor representation of the crucifixion of Jesus
3. any experience involving intense pain or anguish

Etymology: LL(Ec) Calvaria < L, skull (see calvarium): used to translate Gr kranion, skull (see cranium) & by the Evangelists to transl. Aram gūlgūlthā, Golgotha