A more or less permanent concession made by the legislator against or beyond the law. The emperors and the popes, especially since the 8th century, granted privileges. They may be acquired either orally or in writing, either by direct concession or by communication. This latter means partaking of a privilege either by extension or by aggregation. An extensive communication was applied to all regulars. Aggregation takes place between a confraternity and an archconfraternity. The distinction between personal and real privileges is noteworthy. Personal privileges are granted to the person as such, e.g., a title, garb; a real privilege is attached to a thing, as an altar, rosary. If a personal privilege is granted it need not be used, but it is not lost by non-use. A real privilege is lost by the absolute destruction of the thing. Otherwise, privileges are perpetual, unless expressly revoked.
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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