(Latin: definire, to enclose within limits)
A solemn and irrevocable decision emanating from the supreme teaching authority of the Church (the pope by his own authority or as presiding over an Æcumenical Council), concerning a matter of faith and morals, and made binding on all the faithful. The object of a definition may be either a doctrine revealed by God, and contained in the deposit of faith, which the Church has the duty to guard and propose authoritatively; or it may be a truth not so revealed but intimately bound up with revealed doctrine. Such definitions demand the unconditional adherence of every member of the Church.
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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