A state or place of purification after death; according
   to the Roman Catholic creed, a place, or a state believed to exist
   after death, in which the souls of persons are purified by expiating
   such offenses committed in this life as do not merit eternal damnation,
   or in which they fully satisfy the justice of God for sins that have
   been forgiven. After this purgation from the impurities of sin, the
   souls are believed to be received into heaven.