Men of other countries [came] to bear their part in
so great and catholic a war. --Southey.
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.
2. Not narrow-minded, partial, or bigoted; liberal; as,
catholic tastes.
3. Of or pertaining to, or affecting the Roman Catholics; as,
the Catholic emancipation act.
{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.
2. An adherent of the Roman Catholic church; a Roman
Catholic.
{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.