/prop'euh gan"deuh/ , n.
1. information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.
2. the deliberate spreading of such information, rumors, etc.
3. the particular doctrines or principles propagated by an organization or movement.
4. Rom. Cath. Ch.
a. a committee of cardinals, established in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV, having supervision over foreign missions and the training of priests for these missions.
b. a school (College of Propaganda) established by Pope Urban VIII for the education of priests for foreign missions.
5. Archaic. an organization or movement for the spreading of propaganda.
[ 1710-20; congregatio de propaganda fide congregation for propagating the faith; propaganda, abl. sing. fem. gerundive of propagare; see PROPAGATE ]