(Latin: levare, to raise)
Any substance acting or used to produce fermentation as in dough or liquids; anything which makes a general assimilating change in a mass or aggregate, or which modifies or tempers the whole. In the great solemnity of the Passover the Jews were bidden to eat unleavened bread (Exodus 12,13, 34; Numbers 12; Deuteronomy 16). This was a symbol of sinlessness. Saint Paul applies this symbolism to the state of righteousness in the Christian code (1 Corinthians 5); Our Lord employs leaven as a symbol of sin (Matthew 16; Mark 8); and the imperceptible penetrating efficacy of the Gospel of Christ is compared to leaven (Matthew 13; Luke 13).
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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