(Latin: collegae colleague) Originally a community, a corporatIon, an organized society, or a society of persons engaged in a common pursuit; in this sense it is occasionally used today, e.g., the college of surgeons; the college of cardinals. In the 14th century a college meant especially a community of secular clergy living on a foundation for religious service. As some of the communities were in return required to teach, the word became connected with education and denoted a society of scholars formed for the purposes of study or instruction. At present a college means an institute of higher learning of a general, not professional, character; where, after a regular course of study, the degree of Bachelor of Arts, or some equivalent degree, is given.
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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