(Latin: festum duplex)
A rank given to the more important festivals of the year. The most solemn are called doubles of the first class, e.g., Christmas and the Epiphany; next come doubles of the second class, the feasts of some of the Apostles; then major doubles (duplicia majora); and ordinary doubles. The term "double" is used for all of these because in the Sacred Office the antiphon of each psalm is given in full before the psalm as well as after, i.e.,it is doubled for each psalm, except for the Little Hours when it is repeated after the three psalms for each.
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