Definition of purgatories:
(n) :
Any situation where suffering is endured, particularly as part of a process of redemption.
(adj) :
Tending to cleanse; expiatory.
(n) :
(Christianity) An intermediate state after death in which some of those ultimately destined for Heaven must first undergo purification.
(n) :
(Christianity) Alternative letter-case form of Purgatory. [(Christianity) An intermediate state after death in which some of those ultimately destined for Heaven must first undergo purification.]