(Latin: one that nourishes) Originally, an adopted or foster child, a child of the camp, native-born of a country; in post-Reformation times, a student who was adopted by the Alumnat, an institution endowed for the support and education of poor students; in modern use, a graduate of any institution of learning; in ecclesiastical usage, since the Council of Trent, a seminarian. Truth was regarded by the Greeks as an alumna of Attic philosophy.
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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