catholic

a. [ L. catholicus, Gr. kaqoliko`s, universal, general; kata` down, wholly + "o`los whole, probably akin to E. solid: cf. F. catholique.] 1. Universal or general; as, the catholic faith. [1913 Webster]

Men of other countries [came] to bear their part in so great and catholic a war. Southey. [1913 Webster]

☞ This epithet, which is applicable to the whole Christian church, or its faith, is claimed by Roman Catholics to belong especially to their church, and in popular usage is so limited. [1913 Webster]

2. Not narrow-minded, partial, or bigoted; liberal; as, catholic tastes. [1913 Webster]

3. Of or pertaining to, or affecting the Roman Catholics; as, the Catholic emancipation act. [1913 Webster]

Catholic epistles, the epistles of the apostles which are addressed to all the faithful, and not to a particular church; being those of James, Peter, Jude, and John. [1913 Webster]

n. 1. A person who accepts the creeds which are received in common by all parts of the orthodox Christian church. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An adherent of the Roman Catholic church; a Roman Catholic. [ 1913 Webster ]

Old Catholic, the name assumed in 1870 by members of the Roman Catholic church, who denied the ecumenical character of the Vatican Council, and rejected its decrees, esp. that concerning the infallibility of the pope, as contrary to the ancient Catholic faith. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Catholic. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. catholicisme. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. The state or quality of being catholic or universal; catholicity. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Liberality of sentiment; breadth of view. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The faith of the whole orthodox Christian church, or adherence thereto. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The doctrines or faith of the Roman Catholic church, or adherence thereto. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. The state or quality of being catholic; universality. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Liberality of sentiments; catholicism. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Adherence or conformity to the system of doctrine held by all parts of the orthodox Christian church; the doctrine so held; orthodoxy. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Adherence to the doctrines of the church of Rome, or the doctrines themselves. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. & i. To make or to become catholic or Roman Catholic. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a catholic manner; generally; universally. Sir L. Cary. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. &unr_;, neut. &unr_;, universal. See Catholic. ] (Med.) A remedy for all diseases; a panacea. [ 1913 Webster ]