catholic epistles

2 definitions found

catholic epistles - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Catholic \Cath"o*lic\ (k[a^]th"[-o]*[i^]k), 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.
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              Men of other countries [came] to bear their part in
              so great and catholic a war.          --Southey.
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     Note: 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.
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     2. Not narrow-minded, partial, or bigoted; liberal; as,
        catholic tastes.
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     3. Of or pertaining to, or affecting the Roman Catholics; as,
        the Catholic emancipation act.
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     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]

catholic epistles - Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary :

  Catholic epistles
  the epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude; so called because
  they are addressed to Christians in general, and not to any
  church or person in particular.