A habitual mean estimate, manifested in depreciatory words or actions. According to the justice of the estimate, contempt is sinful or the reverse, heightening guilt or merit. Thus, the deliberate "Thou fool," would render grievous a momentary anger; Saint Paul, despising the world as a crucified slave, increased his meritorious renunciation.
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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