I. ˈkath(ə)lik, -ēk, esp Brit also ˈkȧ- noun
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Middle English catholike, from Middle French catholique, from catholique, adjective
1. : a person who belongs to the universal Christian church
2. : a member of a Catholic church: as
a. : a member of the Roman Catholic Church
b. : a member of an Eastern Orthodox Church
a Greek Catholic
c. : a member of an Anglican or Episcopal church
an Anglo- Catholic
d. : a member of an Old Catholic church
e. : a member of a national Catholic church
Polish National Catholics
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle French & Late Latin ; Middle French catholique, from Late Latin catholicus, from Greek katholikos universal, general, from katholou in general, from kata down, concerning + holou, gen. neuter of holos whole — more at cata- , safe
1.
[probably from Greek katholikos ]
: wide-spread:
a. obsolete : universally prevalent
a catholic legal system
b. obsolete : universally applicable
a catholic remedy
2.
[probably from Greek katholikos ]
: general, universal, or inclusive in human affairs:
a. : affecting people generally : concerning or influencing all or much of mankind
b. : comprehensive or very broad in sympathies, understanding, appreciation, or interest : not narrow, isolative, provincial, or partisan
a much more catholic appreciation of different styles and points of view than the 18th century allowed — Edmund Wilson
3. usually capitalized
a. : of, relating to, or being the church universal
a truly Catholic, ecumenical church
b. : of, relating to, or being the ancient undivided Christian church
c. : of, relating to, or being a body of Christians belonging to any of various churches claiming historical continuity from the ancient undivided Christian Church — see catholic I 2
4. usually capitalized : of, relating to, or constituting one of a number of usually clericalist political parties arising in the late 19th and early 20th centuries principally in continental European countries and characterized by basic principles drawn chiefly from the social and economic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church
European countries with solidly organized Catholic parties are Switzerland, Belgium … and Austria — C.J.Friedrich
selection of a Catholic chancellor
Synonyms: see universal