ἄλσος

English (LSJ)

εος, τό,

   A grove, Il.20.8, Od.10.350: pl., Phanocl.1.3, Theoc. 1.117, etc.    II esp. sacred grove, Od.6.291, Hes.Sc.99, Hdt.5.119, Pl.Lg.761c, etc.:—hence, any hallowed precinct, even without trees, Il.2.506, Sch.Pi.O.3.31, cf. B.3.19, S.Ant.844; Μαραθώνιον ἄ., of the field of battle, viewed as a holy place, A.Eleg.4: metaph., πόντιον ἄ. the ocean-plain, B.16.85, A.Pers.111. (Perh. for ἄλτ-ιος (cf. Ἄλτις), i.e. alq-ios, cf. Goth. alhs 'temple'.)