(also Cath·olic ) noun
( abbr. RC ) a member of the part of the Christian Church that has the Pope as its leader
► ˌRoman ˈCatholic (also Cath·olic ) adjective
► ˌRoman Caˈtholicism (also Cath·oli·cism ) noun [ U ]
For more information see the Cultural Guide
••
WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent.: translation of Latin (Ecclesia) Romana Catholica (et Apostolica) Roman Catholic (and Apostolic Church). It was apparently first used as a conciliatory term in place of the earlier Roman , Romanist , or Romish , considered derogatory.