The tusks of the elephant and other animals, a tough, white, elastic substance, capable of a high polish. Since prehistoric times it has been used in the arts: diptychs of ivory are among the first examples of Christian art; plaques were made for book covers; cylindrical pyxes were made of carved ivory; bishops' chairs were overlaid with the same material. During the Middle Ages pyxes, tabernacles, caskets, statuettes, etc., were made of ivory.
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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