Carmelite missionary, philologist and Orientalist. Born Hoff, Lower Austria, 1748; died Rome, Italy, 1806. In 1774 he went as missionary to India (Malabar), and was appointed vicar-general of his order and Apostolic visitor. He has contributed much to the study and knowledge of Indian life and literature by his history of the missions in India. Composed an early European grammar of the Sanskrit tongue, using part of Hanxleden's manuscript. Wrote various works bearing on linguistics.
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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