(Latin: amuletum, a charm)
An object of stone, metal, parchment, etc., worn as protection against disease, witchcraft, and other ills. Their use was common among early Egyptians, from whom the Romans adopted them. They were gradually repudiated by Christians as superstitions, and emblems and pious images were substituted, not, as the Council of Trent insists, because of any divinity or virtue inherent, but because they refer us to the persons or things represented.
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
Read More