Search Result for "catholic epistles":

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