purgatory [ˈpɜːgətərɪ -trɪ]
n
- (Christian Religious Writings / Theology) Chiefly RC Church a state or place in which the souls of those who have died in a state of grace are believed to undergo a limited amount of suffering to expiate their venial sins and become purified of the remaining effects of mortal sin
- a place or condition of suffering or torment, esp one that is temporary