\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.
         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.

\Cath"o*lic\, n.
1. A person who accepts the creeds which are received in
   common by all parts of the orthodox Christian church.
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.