So called because their successive verses, or successive parallel series, begin with the successive letters of the alphabet. Psalms 18, "Blessed are the undefiled," comprises 22 stanzas of 8 verses each, beginning with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order. Another example of alphabetic arrangement in Hebrew poetry is found in the Lamentations of Jeremias in the Office of Tenebrae during Holy Week. This feature is not discernible in the Vulgate or our English version save that the Hebrew letter name precedes each verse in the work of the prophet.
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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