A corruption of religion wherein an animal which apparently had been a mere symbol or emblem of an attribute, virtue, or quality, is considered either as the bearer of a tribe's tutelary spirit, as among the American Indians, and as such is the object of various degrees of worship; or, as in ancient Egypt's decaying religious life, is identified with the god whose characteristic it represents, and shares with him in Divine honors.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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