One who has been assigned to the Divine ministry by the reception of the clerical tonsure, and thus rendered capable of obtaining the power or orders and jurisdiction, benefices, and pensions; loosely used to designate also one who enjoys the clerical privileges of immunity and exemption, such as a religious, a novice, or a member of a society having community life without vows.
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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