(Latin: artes liberales; from liber, free)
Name given in the Middle Ages to those branches of knowledge which train the free man, in contrast with the artes liberales, those pursued for economic purposes. Their aim is to prepare the student for the pursuit of science, i.e.,philosophy and theology combined, or scholasticism. Forming two groups, the liberal arts embrace:
The language branches are considered as the lower, the mathematical branches as the intermediate, and science properly so called as the uppermost grade of studies. This system, which was used by the Greeks, Romans, and ancient Orientals, was developed during the Middle Ages, and continues to the present time.
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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