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Glossary of Religion Terms
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c. Tweet Definition of c. Like Definition of c. on Facebook
abbreviation 
  1. (context, preposition) circa
The document was written in the Middle Ages, 1250.
  1. (context, noun) city
     
calced Tweet Definition of calced Like Definition of calced on Facebook
adjective 
  1. Used of religious orders to indicate that they wear shoes.
     
caloyer Tweet Definition of caloyer Like Definition of caloyer on Facebook
noun 
  1. a reclusive monk of the Greek Orthodox Church
     
camerlengo Tweet Definition of camerlengo Like Definition of camerlengo on Facebook
noun , plural camerlengos
  1. chamberlain; the cardinal who administers the Roman Catholic Church in the interregnum between Popes
     
Candlemas Tweet Definition of Candlemas Like Definition of Candlemas on Facebook
noun 
  1. The festival in the Christian year that commemorates the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple
February 2nd in the western Christian church and February 15th in the Orthodox church.
  1. A quarter day in Scotland.
     
canon Tweet Definition of canon Like Definition of canon on Facebook
noun (plural: canons)
  1. a generally accepted principle.
The trial must proceed according to the canons of law.
  1. A group of literary works that are generally accepted as representing a field.
"the durable canon of American short fiction" William Styron.
  1. The works of a writer that have been accepted as authentic.
the entire Shakespeare canon
  1. A Eucharistic Prayer, particularly, the Roman Canon.
  2. A religious law or body of law decreed by the church.
We must proceed according to law.
  1. An ecclesiastical title.
  2. A piece of music in which the same melody is played by different voices, but beginning at different times.
Pachelbel"s Canon has become very popular.
     
canonical Tweet Definition of canonical Like Definition of canonical on Facebook
adjective 
  1. (theology) Present in a canon of Scripture.
The w:Gospel of Luke, Gospel of Luke is a New Testament book.
  1. In conformity with canon law.
  2. According to recognised or orthodox rules.
The men played golf in the most way, with no local rules.
  1. Stated or used in the most basic and straightforwardly applicable manner.
This definition would be more useful if it were .
  1. (music) In the form of a canon.
  2. Of or pertaining to an ecclesiastical chapter
  3. (context, math, compsci) In canonical form.
     
canonize Tweet Definition of canonize Like Definition of canonize on Facebook
verb (canoniz, es)
  1. To establish as a formal, standard rule.
  2. To define someone as a saint.
     
cantor Tweet Definition of cantor Like Definition of cantor on Facebook
noun 
  1. singer, especially someone who takes a special role of singing or song leading at a ceremony
     
Capuchin Tweet Definition of Capuchin Like Definition of Capuchin on Facebook
proper noun 
  1. A member of an order of Roman Catholic friars.
     
Cardinal Tweet Definition of Cardinal Like Definition of Cardinal on Facebook
proper noun 
  1. (baseball) A player on the team "The St. Louis Cardinals".
    Smith became a as the result of a pre-season trade.
    1. A player on the team "Arizona Cardinals".
  2. A sports team or a player on a sports team at w:Stanford University, Stanford University.
  3. A student or player on a sports team at the w:University of Louisville, University of Louisville. <!-- split to Cardinals
    Cardinals
  4. (baseball) The team "w:St. Louis Cardinals, The St. Louis Cardinals".
    1. The team "w:Arizona Cardinals, The Arizona Cardinals".
    2. A sports team at the w:University of Louisville, University of Louisville.
    The Cardinals take the field.
    -->
     
Carthusian Tweet Definition of Carthusian Like Definition of Carthusian on Facebook
proper noun 
  1. A member of a Christian contemplative order of monks founded by w:Bruno of Cologne:St Bruno, Bruno of Cologne (St Bruno) in 1084.
adjective 
  1. Of, or relating to this order.
     
catacomb Tweet Definition of catacomb Like Definition of catacomb on Facebook
noun plural catacombs
  1. an underground system of tunnels and chambers with recesses for graves, used (in former times) as a cemetery
Note: often used in the plural      
catechesis Tweet Definition of catechesis Like Definition of catechesis on Facebook
noun 
  1. religious instruction given orally to catechumens
     
catechism Tweet Definition of catechism Like Definition of catechism on Facebook
noun 
  1. a book, in question and answer form, summarizing the basic principles of Christianity
  2. a basic manual in some subject
  3. a set of questions designed to determine knowledge
     
catechist Tweet Definition of catechist Like Definition of catechist on Facebook
noun 
  1. (Christianity) One who practices catechesis, i.e., catechizes catechumens; a teacher who instructs students in the doctrines of a particular Christian denomination typically in preparation for confirmation.
     
catechize Tweet Definition of catechize Like Definition of catechize on Facebook
verb (catechizes, catechizing, catechized)
  1. (Christianity) To give religious instruction, often by the question-and-answer method, especially children or adolescents who are preparing for confirmation.
     
catechumen Tweet Definition of catechumen Like Definition of catechumen on Facebook
noun 
  1. a convert to Christianity under instruction before baptism; a young Christian preparing for confirmation
  • 1963: Here in this room an old man had killed and boiled a , had committed sodomy with a rat, had discussed a rodent nunhood with V., a future saint " depending which story you listened to. " w:Thomas Pynchon, Thomas Pynchon, V.
     
cathedral Tweet Definition of cathedral Like Definition of cathedral on Facebook
noun 
  1. The principal church of a bishop's diocese which contains an episcopal throne.
     
Catholic Tweet Definition of Catholic Like Definition of Catholic on Facebook
noun 
  1. A member of a Catholic church.
The wife of the Prime Minister is a .
adjective 
  1. Of the Western Christian church, as opposed to the Orthodox church.
Christmas is celebrated at different dates in the and Orthodox calendars.
  1. Of the Roman Catholic church.
The Church of the Sacred Heart is a one.
     
Catholic Church Tweet Definition of Catholic Church Like Definition of Catholic Church on Facebook
noun 
  1. Literally "universal church", the whole body of Christendom, especially before the division into Western and Eastern churches.
  2. The Roman Catholic Church, which consists of 23 particular Churches in full communion with the Bishop of Rome.
  1. (rfv-sense) The Eastern Orthodox Church.
  2. (rfv-sense) Any of the Oriental Orthodox Churches.
    1. Any of the independent Catholic Churches, such as the Old Catholic Church, the Polish National Catholic Church, or the Orthodox Catholic Church.
    2. Any Christian denomination that identifies explicitly as "Catholic" based on its affirmation of the Nicene Creed, such as any of the Anglican Churches.
     
Catholicism Tweet Definition of Catholicism Like Definition of Catholicism on Facebook
noun 
  1. The faiths, practices and doctrines of a Catholic Church, but especially of the Roman Catholic Church
  2. The state or quality of being catholic or universal; catholicity. --w:Jer. Taylor, Jer. Taylor.
  3. Liberality of sentiment; breadth of view.
     
celebrant Tweet Definition of celebrant Like Definition of celebrant on Facebook
noun 
  1. A person who officiates at a religious ceremony, especially a marriage or the Eucharist
  2. A person who is celebrating something
     
celebrate Tweet Definition of celebrate Like Definition of celebrate on Facebook
verb (celebrat, ing)
  1. To extol or honour in a solemn manner; as, to celebrate the name of the Most High.
  2. To honour by solemn rites, by ceremonies of joy and respect, or by refraining from ordinary business; to observe duly; to keep; as, to celebrate a birthday.
  3. To perform or participate in, as a sacrament or solemn rite; to solemnize; to perform with appropriate rites; as, to celebrate a marriage.
     
cell Tweet Definition of cell Like Definition of cell on Facebook
noun 
  1. A component of an electrical battery.
This MP3 player runs on 2 AAA cells.
  1. A room in a prison for containing inmates.
The combatants spent the night in separate cells.
  1. A room in a monastery for sleeping one person.
Gregor Mendel must have spent a good amount of time outside of his .
  1. A small group of people forming part of a larger organization.
Those three fellows are the local of that organization.
  1. (meteorology) A small thunderstorm, caused by convection, that forms ahead of a storm front.
There is a powerful storm headed our way.
  1. (cytology) The basic unit of a living organism, surrounded by a cell membrane.
There is a virtual zoo of single organisms living in your mouth.
  1. (biology) An cavity in a structure such as a honeycomb or ovary.
The bee filled the with honey.
<!--this is a proper noun sense, and is encyclopedic
  1. (biology) the title of a scientific journal published by Wikipedia:Elsevier, Elsevier
It was published in Cell. ''-->
  1. (computing) The minimal unit of a cellular automaton that can change state and has an associated behavior.
The upper right always starts with the color green.
  1. (communication) A short, fixed-length packet as in Wikipedia:Asynchronous Transfer Mode, asynchronous transfer mode.
Virtual Channel number 5 received 170 cells.
  1. (communication) A region of radio reception that is a part of a larger radio network.
I get good reception in my home because it is near a tower.
  1. (context, US, informal) A cellular phone.
  2. (geometry) A three-dimensional facet of a polytope.
     
celtic cross Tweet Definition of celtic cross Like Definition of celtic cross on Facebook
noun 
  1. a Christian symbol, common in Ireland, which combines the cross with a ring surrounding the intersection.
     
cenacle Tweet Definition of cenacle Like Definition of cenacle on Facebook
noun 
  1. a dining room, especially one on an upper floor
  2. (context, by extension) a small circle or gathering of specialists (writers etc); a clique
     
cenobite Tweet Definition of cenobite Like Definition of cenobite on Facebook
noun (cenobite, s)
  1. A member of a Greek monastic religious order; a caloyer
  • 1980: Lamprecht knew very well how the war was going and was perfunctory in his rounding up of Jews and cenobites. " Anthony Burgess, Earthly Powers
     
ceremonial Tweet Definition of ceremonial Like Definition of ceremonial on Facebook
noun (plural ceremonials)
  1. a ceremony, or series of ceremonies, prescribed by ritual
adjective 
  1. of, relating to, or used in a ceremony; ritual or formal
     
chancellor Tweet Definition of chancellor Like Definition of chancellor on Facebook
noun 
  1. A judicial court of chancery, which in England and in the United States is distinctively a court with equity jurisdiction.
     
chancery Tweet Definition of chancery Like Definition of chancery on Facebook
noun 
  1. In England, formerly, the highest court of judicature next to the Parliament, exercising jurisdiction at law, but chiefly in equity; but under the jurisdiction act of 1873 it became the chancery division of the High Court of Justice, and now exercises jurisdiction only in equity.
  2. In the Unites States, a court of equity; equity; proceeding in equity.
     
chapel Tweet Definition of chapel Like Definition of chapel on Facebook
noun 
  1. A place of worship, smaller than, or subordinate to a church.
  2. A place of worship in a civil institution such as an airport, prison etc.
  3. A funeral home, or a room in one for holding funeral services.
     
chaplain Tweet Definition of chaplain Like Definition of chaplain on Facebook
noun 
  1. A member of the clergy officially assigned to an institution, group, private chapel, etc.
     
chapter Tweet Definition of chapter Like Definition of chapter on Facebook
noun 
  1. One of the main sections into which the text of a book is divided.
  2. An administrative division of an organization, usually local to a specific area.
     
character Tweet Definition of character Like Definition of character on Facebook
noun 
  1. A being involved in the action of a story.
  2. A symbol used to represent a sound or a word.
  3. A distinguishing feature; characteristic; A complex of mental and ethical traits marking a person or a group.
  4. A moral strength.
"You may not like to eat liver," said Calvin's father, "but it builds ."
  1. A person with many notable or eccentric features.
  2. (mathematics) A complex number representing an element of a finite Abelian group.
  3. (computing) One of the basic elements making up a text file or string: a code representing a printing character or a control character. Synonymous with byte in some environments.
     
charge Tweet Definition of charge Like Definition of charge on Facebook
noun 
  1. Someone or something entrusted to one's care, i.e. a child to a babysitter.
  2. A load or burden.
    • 2005, w:Plato, Plato, Sophist. Translation by Lesley Brown. w:Stephanus pagination, 261a.
    • : we'll nail the sophist to it, if we can get him on that ;
      1. The amount of money levy, levied for a service.
      2. An instruction.
      3. An impetuous attack.
      4. An electric charge.
      5. (basketball) An offensive foul in which the player with the ball moves into a stationary defender.
      6. A measured amount of powder and/or shot in a firearm cartridge.
      7. (heraldry) An image displayed on an escutcheon
verb (charg, ing)
  1. To place a burden upon.
  2. To assign a duty to.
I'm charging you with cleaning up the kitchen.
  1. To formally accuse of a crime.
I'm charging you with grand theft auto.
  1. To assign a debit to an account.
Let's charge this to marketing.
  1. To pay using a credit card.
Can I charge this with my corporate card?
  1. To cause to take on an electric charge.
Rubbing amber with wool will charge it quickly.
  1. To move forward quickly and forcefully, particularly in combat, on horseback or both.
  2. (military) To attack by moving forward quickly in a group.
  3. (basketball) To commit a charging foul.
  4. (cricket) (of a batsman) To take a few steps doen the pitch towards the bowler as he delivers the ball, either to disrupt the length of the delivery, or to get into a better position to hit the ball.
  5. To ready a firearm for use
Charge your weapons, we're moving up
     
charisma Tweet Definition of charisma Like Definition of charisma on Facebook
noun 
  1. Personal charm or magnetism
  2. (Christianity) An extraordinary power granted by the Holy Spirit
  3. The ability to influence without the use of logic.
     
Charity Tweet Definition of Charity Like Definition of Charity on Facebook
proper noun 
  1. (given name, female) first used by Puritans, originally more popular than Faith and Hope but rarely used today because of the modern side meaning of charity as welfare work.
     
chasuble Tweet Definition of chasuble Like Definition of chasuble on Facebook
noun 
  1. the outermost liturgical vestment worn by clergy for celebrating Eucharist or Mass
  • 1936: he"s quaky and qualmy and queasy and teasy; he chews chasubles and ripples rasubly. " Henry Miller, Black Spring
    (seeCites)
     
cherub Tweet Definition of cherub Like Definition of cherub on Facebook
noun (pl2=cherubim)
  1. A winged creature represented over 90 times in the Bible as attending on God, later seen as the second highest order of angels, ranked above thrones and below seraphim. First mention is in http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Bible_%28World_English%29/Genesis
  2. Chapter_3 Genesis 3:24
  3. A statue or other depiction of such a being, typically in the form of a winged child.
  4. (figurative) A person, especially a child, seen as being particularly innocent or angelic.
     
chiliasm Tweet Definition of chiliasm Like Definition of chiliasm on Facebook
noun 
  1. a 1000 year period of peace and prosperity, sometimes equated with the return of Jesus for that period
     
chi-rho Tweet Definition of chi-rho Like Definition of chi-rho on Facebook
noun 
  1. A combination of the Greek letters chi and rho. The symbol was created by Emperor Constantine I.
     
choir Tweet Definition of choir Like Definition of choir on Facebook
noun 
  1. singing group; group of people who sing together; company of people who are trained to sing together
The church practices Thursday nights.
  1. the part of a church where the assembles for song
  2. (italbrac, Christian angelology) one of the nine ranks or orders of angels
Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones are three of the choirs of angels.
     
chrism Tweet Definition of chrism Like Definition of chrism on Facebook
noun 
  1. A mixture of oil and balm, consecrated for use as an anointing fluid in certain Christian ceremonies, especially confirmation
    • 1984, "The King," Will cried, "is my master and bathed in the of the Lord God." " Anthony Burgess, Enderby's Dark Lady
     
Christ Tweet Definition of Christ Like Definition of Christ on Facebook
noun 
  1. A figure or other artistic depiction of Jesus Christ.
proper noun 
  1. (Judaism) The "Lord's anointed one" or messiah predicted in Jewish prophecy.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (Matthew 24:24)
  1. (Christianity) (italbrac, literally) The title given to Jesus of Nazareth, seen as fulfilling messianic prophecy; often treated as a personal name.
     
christen Tweet Definition of christen Like Definition of christen on Facebook
verb 
  1. To baptise.
  2. To name.
     
Christendom Tweet Definition of Christendom Like Definition of Christendom on Facebook
proper noun 
  1. The Christian world.
     
christening Tweet Definition of christening Like Definition of christening on Facebook
noun 
  1. The Christian sacrament at which someone, usually a child, is baptized and given a Christian name
verb 
  1. (present participle of, christen)
     
Christian Tweet Definition of Christian Like Definition of Christian on Facebook
noun 
  1. (context, Christianity) A believer in Christianity.
  2. (context, Christianity) An individual who seeks to live his or her life according to the principles and values taught by Jesus Christ.
proper noun 
  1. (given name, male) found in England since the twelfth century.
  2. (given name, female) of medieval usage, rare today.
adjective 
  1. (context, not comparable) Of, like or relating to Christianity or Christians.
  2. Kind, charitable.
That's very of you.
To non-Christians, this may be an offensive usage (similarly, see the offensive usage of Jew)
     
Christianity Tweet Definition of Christianity Like Definition of Christianity on Facebook
noun (Christianities, -)
  1. A monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
     
Christianize Tweet Definition of Christianize Like Definition of Christianize on Facebook
verb 
  1. To make Christian.
  2. To cause to convert to Christianity.
     
Christian name Tweet Definition of Christian name Like Definition of Christian name on Facebook
noun 
  1. A first name formally given to a child at a Christian baptism.
  2. (context, by extension) Any forename.
     
Christmas Tweet Definition of Christmas Like Definition of Christmas on Facebook
proper noun 
  1. The Christian holiday which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
This we'll open presents then go to grandma's for dinner.
  1. The day it is celebrated, 25th December, an English quarter day.
  2. The season (traditionally from the 24th of December to the 6th of January) around the celebration of Christ's birth.
The shoppers spent less this December, than last year, but our store will probably see just as many returned items during the twelve days of Christmas.
  1. (US, retailing) The period from the Friday following Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, busy with shopping and preparations for Christmas.
     
Christmastide Tweet Definition of Christmastide Like Definition of Christmastide on Facebook
proper noun 
  1. the Christmas season
     
Christocentric Tweet Definition of Christocentric Like Definition of Christocentric on Facebook
adjective 
  1. of a form of Christianity that concentrates on the teaching of Jesus Christ
     
church Tweet Definition of church Like Definition of church on Facebook
noun 
  1. A Christian house of worship; a building where religious services take place.
There is a lovely little in the valley.
  1. A Christian religious organization, local or general.
The Church of England separated from the Roman Catholic Church in 1534.
The across the street has a service at 10 am.
  1. A group of people who follow the same Christian religious beliefs, local or general.
These worshippers comprise the Church of Christ.
Be shepherds of the of God (Acts 20:28).
  1. A time of public worship; a worship service.
I'll be there after .
verb to church
  1. (transitive) To conduct a religious service for a woman after childbirth
     
churchman Tweet Definition of churchman Like Definition of churchman on Facebook
noun (Plural: Churchmen)
  1. A person (originally a man) of authority in a religious organization; a cleric.
The bishop, a highly placed , stated the religion's opinion.
     
Church of England Tweet Definition of Church of England Like Definition of Church of England on Facebook
proper noun 
  1. The established Christian church in England, and the mother church of the Anglican Community. Abbreviated as C of E.
     
Church of Rome Tweet Definition of Church of Rome Like Definition of Church of Rome on Facebook
proper noun 
  1. the Roman Catholic Church
     
churchwarden Tweet Definition of churchwarden Like Definition of churchwarden on Facebook
noun 
  1. A lay officer of the Church of England who handles the secular affairs of the parish.
  2. A similar functionary of the Episcopal church.
     
churchy Tweet Definition of churchy Like Definition of churchy on Facebook
adjective 
  1. religious, pious. Can be used pejoratively.
     
ciborium Tweet Definition of ciborium Like Definition of ciborium on Facebook
noun (ciboria)
  1. A fixed vaulted canopy over a Christian altar, supported on four columns
  2. A covered receptacle for holding the consecrated wafers of the Eucharist
     
cilice Tweet Definition of cilice Like Definition of cilice on Facebook
noun 
  1. a hair shirt
  1. (mostly in Opus Dei) A leather strap studded with metallic barbs that cut into flesh as a constant reminder of Christ's suffering
     
circumcision Tweet Definition of circumcision Like Definition of circumcision on Facebook
noun 
  1. The act of excising or amputating the foreskin or prepuce from the penis.
  2. The act of excising tissue from the vulva of the female.
     
Clarendon Tweet Definition of Clarendon Like Definition of Clarendon on Facebook
proper noun 
  1. An earldom in the British peerage
  2. w:Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon
  3. A serif typeface
     
class Tweet Definition of class Like Definition of class on Facebook
noun (es, -)
  1. (countable) A group, collection, category or set sharing characteristics or attributes.
The new Ford Fiesta is set to be best in the 'small family' .
: Often used to imply membership of a large class.
:: This word has a whole of metaphoric extensions.
  1. (countable) A social grouping, based on job, wealth, etc. In Britain, society is commonly split into three main classes; upper class, middle class and working class.
  2. (uncountable) The division of society into classes.
Jane Austen's works deal with in 18th-century England.
  1. (uncountable) Admirable behavior; elegance.
Apologizing for losing your temper, even though you were badly provoked, showed real .
  1. (context, countable, and, uncountable) A group of students in a regularly scheduled meeting with a teacher.
The was noisy, but the teacher was able to get their attention with a story.
  1. A series of classes covering a single subject.
I took the cooking for enjoyment, but I also learned a lot.
  1. (countable) A group of students who commenced or completed their education during a particular year. A school class.
The of 1982 was particularly noteworthy.
  1. (countable) A category of seats in an airplane, train or other means of mass transportation.
I used to fly business , but now my company can only afford economy.
  1. (context, biology, taxonomy, countable) A rank in the classification of organisms, below phylum and above order; a taxon of that rank
Magnolias belong to the Magnoliopsida.
  1. (computing) A set of objects possibly differing in state but not behavior.
  2. (math) A collection of sets definable by a shared property.
The of all sets is not a set.
verb (classes, classing, classed)
  1. (transitive) To assign to a class.
I would this with most of the other mediocre works of the period.
adjective 
  1. (context, UK, slang) great; fabulous
     
clergyman Tweet Definition of clergyman Like Definition of clergyman on Facebook
noun (plural: clergymen)
  1. An ordained Christian minister.
     
cleric Tweet Definition of cleric Like Definition of cleric on Facebook
noun 
  1. a clergy member
     
clerical Tweet Definition of clerical Like Definition of clerical on Facebook
noun 
  1. a member of the clergy
adjective 
  1. of or relating to clerks or their work
  2. of or relating to the clergy
     
clerk Tweet Definition of clerk Like Definition of clerk on Facebook
noun 
  1. One who occupationally works with records, accounts, letters, etc.; an office worker.
  2. A facilitator of a Quaker meeting for business affairs
     
coenobite Tweet Definition of coenobite Like Definition of coenobite on Facebook
noun 
  1. a member of a monastic community
     
collate Tweet Definition of collate Like Definition of collate on Facebook
verb (collates, collating, collated)
  1. (transitive) To examine diverse documents et cetera in order to discover similarity, similarities and differences.
  2. (transitive) To assemble something in a logical sequence.
    • 1922, w:Virginia Woolf, Virginia Woolf, w:Jacob's Room, Jacob"s Room, Vintage Classics, paperback edition, page 101
    • : Detest your own age. Build a better one. And to set that on foot read incredibly dull essays upon Marlowe to your friends. For which purpose one must editions in the British Museum.
      1. (transitive) To sort multiple copies of printed documents into sequences of individual page order, one sequence for each copy, especially before binding.
      2. (transitive) To admit a cleric to a benefice.
      (rfex)
     
collation Tweet Definition of collation Like Definition of collation on Facebook
noun 
  1. (uncountable) The act of collating.
  2. (countable) A light meal.
     
collect Tweet Definition of collect Like Definition of collect on Facebook
noun (sometimes capitalized)
  1. (Christianity) The prayer said before the reading of the epistle lesson, especially one found in a prayerbook, as with the Book of Common Prayer.
He used the day's collect as the basis of his sermon.
verb 
  1. gather, Gather together; amass items.
Suzanne collected all the papers she had laid out.
  1. get, Get; particularly, get from someone.
A bank collects a monthly payment on a client's new car loan.
A mortgage company collects a monthly payment on a house.
  1. accumulate, Accumulate similar items or items belonging to a particular theme, particularly for a hobby or recreation.
John Henry collects stamps.
     
college Tweet Definition of college Like Definition of college on Facebook
noun 
  1. An institution of further education at an intermediate level (in the UK, typically teaching those aged 16 to 19). See also: sixth-form college.
  2. An institution for adult education at a basic or intermediate level (teaching those of any age).
  3. (Used mainly in the formal names of private schools) A secondary school (Eton College).
  4. A non-specialized, semi-autonomous division of a university, with its own faculty, departments, library, etc (Pembroke College, Cambridge; Balliol College, Oxford; University College London).
  5. (Australia) A residential hall of a university, which may be independent or have its own tutors but is not involved in teaching.
  6. (Loosely) Any institution of higher education.
  7. (In the US) An institution of higher education teaching undergraduates and/or graduates. Nearly synonymous with university, with less emphasis on research and may, or may not, have graduate or doctoral programs. Often has an emphasis in a specific academic area (e.g. liberal arts college).
  8. (In the US) A specialized division of a university (College of Engineering).
     
collegiate church Tweet Definition of collegiate church Like Definition of collegiate church on Facebook
noun 
  1. a Christian church, other than a cathedral, that has a chapter of canons and a dean or provost
     
colporteur Tweet Definition of colporteur Like Definition of colporteur on Facebook
noun 
  1. A peddler of religious books
     
Comforter Tweet Definition of Comforter Like Definition of Comforter on Facebook
proper noun 
  1. The Holy Spirit
     
commemoration Tweet Definition of commemoration Like Definition of commemoration on Facebook
noun 
  1. The act of commemorating; an observance or celebration designed to honor the memory of some person or event.
  2. Whatever serves the purpose of commemorating; a memorial.
     
commune Tweet Definition of commune Like Definition of commune on Facebook
noun 
  1. A small community, often rural, whose members share in the ownership of property, and in the division of labour; the members of such a community
  2. A local political division in many European countries
     
communicate Tweet Definition of communicate Like Definition of communicate on Facebook
verb (communicat, ing)
  1. (transitive) To give information or knowledge of, make known.
It is vital that I this information to you.
  1. (transitive) To give or transmit (a disease).
  2. (intransitive) To express or convey one's ideas to another either through verbal or nonverbal means.
Many deaf people with sign language.
  1. To receive Holy Communion.
     
Communion Tweet Definition of Communion Like Definition of Communion on Facebook
proper noun , or communion
  1. The sacrament of Holy Communion
     
community Tweet Definition of community Like Definition of community on Facebook
noun (communit, ies)
  1. Group of people sharing a common understanding who reveal themselves by using the same language, manners, tradition and law. (see civilization).
  2. Commune or residential/religious collective.
  3. The condition of having certain attitudes and interests in common.
  4. (Ecology) A group of interdependent organisms inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other.
     
compline Tweet Definition of compline Like Definition of compline on Facebook
noun 
  1. the last of the canonical hours, sung just before retiring
     
conclave Tweet Definition of conclave Like Definition of conclave on Facebook
noun 
  1. The set of apartments within which the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church are continuously secluded while engaged in choosing a pope.
  2. The group of Roman Catholic cardinals locked in a conclave until they elect a new pope; the body of cardinals
It was said a cardinal, by reason of his apparent likelihood to step into St. Peter's chair, that in two conclaves he went in pope and came out again cardinal. &mdash; South?
  1. A private meeting; a close or secret assembly.
The verdicts pronounced by this conclave (Johnson's Club) on new books, were speedily known over all London. &mdash; William Macaulay
     
concordat Tweet Definition of concordat Like Definition of concordat on Facebook
noun 
  1. A formal agreement between two nations; a compact
  1. (often capitalized) An agreement between the Pope and a government that recognizes and regulates Catholic affairs
    • 1820, Theodore Lyman, The Political State of Italy
    • :That eminent and independant statesman, Count Louis of Medicis, concluded a with cardinal Gonsalvi, at Terracina, on the 16th February, 1816, probably the most humiliating instrument to which the Roman court has been forced to submit since the fall of the Bonapartes.
    • 1846, William Scott, The Christian Remembrancer
    • :The Concordat of the See of Rome with King Diniz is the most interesting ecclesiastical epoch ".
    • 2000, Bruno Kreisky, Matthew Paul Berg, The Struggle for a Democratic Austria: Bruno Kreisky on Peace and Social Justice, page 486
    • : Later, he also promoted a significant degree of reconciliation between the Austrian social democratic movement and the Roman Catholic Church through the negotiation of the 1960 Concordat.
     
confess Tweet Definition of confess Like Definition of confess on Facebook
verb (confess, es)
  1. To admit to the truth, particularly in the context of sins or crimes committed
  2. To disclose or reveal
     
confession Tweet Definition of confession Like Definition of confession on Facebook
noun 
  1. the open admittance of having done something (especially: something bad)
    Without the real murderer's , an innocent person will go to jail.
  2. (Roman Catholic church) the disclosure of one's sins to a priest for absolution. Now termed the sacrament of reconciliation.
    I went to and now I feel much better about what I had done.
     
confessional Tweet Definition of confessional Like Definition of confessional on Facebook
noun 
  1. (context, Roman Catholic church) A small room where confession (the sacrament of reconciliation) is performed. Traditional architecture has used three adjacent rooms separated by gratings with sliding doors; the priest hearing the confessions sits in the middle room and alternately opens one of the doors to hear confession from the person kneeling on that side.
adjective 
  1. In the manner or style of a confession.
     
confessor Tweet Definition of confessor Like Definition of confessor on Facebook
noun 
  1. One who confesses to having done something wrong
  2. One who confesses his faith in Christianity, especially in the face of persecution
  3. A priest who hears confession and then gives absolution
     
conform Tweet Definition of conform Like Definition of conform on Facebook
verb 
  1. Act in accordance of expectations; act like others.
  2. To be in accordance with a set of specifications.
     
conformist Tweet Definition of conformist Like Definition of conformist on Facebook
noun 
  1. someone who conforms
adjective 
  1. conforming to established customs etc
     
conformity Tweet Definition of conformity Like Definition of conformity on Facebook
noun 
  1. State of things being similar, or identical.
  2. The ideology of adhering to one standard or social uniformity.
How far should one accept the rules of the society in which one lives? To put it another way: at what point does become corruption? Only by answering such questions does the conscience truly define itself. - q:Kenneth Tynan, Kenneth Tynan
     
Cong. Tweet Definition of Cong. Like Definition of Cong. on Facebook
abbreviation 
  1. Congress
     
congregation Tweet Definition of congregation Like Definition of congregation on Facebook
noun 
  1. A large gathering of people
  2. A gathering of people in a Christian church, Jewish synagogue, mosque or other religious assembly. It can also refer to the people who are present at a worship service in the building, particularly in contrast to the minister, rabbi or choir who may be seated apart from the general congregation.
     
connection Tweet Definition of connection Like Definition of connection on Facebook
noun 
  1. (uncountable) The act of connecting.
  2. (countable) The point at which two or more things are connected.
  3. (countable) A feeling of understanding and ease of communication between two or more people.
  4. (countable) An established telephone call.
     
consecrate Tweet Definition of consecrate Like Definition of consecrate on Facebook
verb (consecrat, ing)
  1. To declare, or otherwise make something holy.
    • 1863 November 19, Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address, based on the signed "Bliss Copy"
    • :But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not , we can not hallow, this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.
     
consecration Tweet Definition of consecration Like Definition of consecration on Facebook
noun 
  1. The act or ceremony of consecrating; the state of being consecrated; dedication. see also:
    sacrament
    unction
     
consistory Tweet Definition of consistory Like Definition of consistory on Facebook
noun (consistories)
  1. Primarily, a place of standing or staying together; hence, any solemn assembly or council.
  2. The spiritual court of a diocesan bishop held before his chancellor or commissioner in his cathedral church or elsewhere.
  3. An assembly of prelates; a session of the college of cardinals at Rome.
  4. A church tribunal or governing body.
  5. (obsolete) A civil court of justice.
     
consubstantiation Tweet Definition of consubstantiation Like Definition of consubstantiation on Facebook
noun 
  1. An identity or union of substance.
  2. The actual, substantial presence of the body of Christ with the bread and wine of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper; impanation; -- opposed to transubstantiation.
     
contrition Tweet Definition of contrition Like Definition of contrition on Facebook
noun 
  1. The state of being contrite; sincere penitence or remorse; deep sorrow and repentance for sin either because sin is displeasing to God or arising from love of God; humble penitence through repentance.
  2. The act of grinding or rubbing to powder; attrition; friction; rubbing.
     
convent Tweet Definition of convent Like Definition of convent on Facebook
noun 
  1. A religious community whose members, (especially nuns) live under strict observation of religious rules and self-imposed vows
  2. the buildings and pertaining surroundings in which such a community lives
  3. a gathering of people lasting several days which come from different regions of a country or even the world for the purpose of discussing or working on topics previously selected
     
conventicle Tweet Definition of conventicle Like Definition of conventicle on Facebook
noun 
  1. a secret, unauthorized or illegal religious meeting
  2. the place where such a meeting is held
  3. a Quaker meetinghouse
     
conventual Tweet Definition of conventual Like Definition of conventual on Facebook
noun 
  1. a member of a convent
adjective 
  1. of, or relating to a convent or convent life; cloistered, monastic
     
conversion Tweet Definition of conversion Like Definition of conversion on Facebook
noun 
  1. The act of having converted something or someone.
His to Christianity
The of the database from ASCII to Unicode
  1. (chemistry) A chemical reaction wherein a substrate is transformed into a product.
  2. (rugby) A free-kick, after scoring a try, worth two points
  3. (American football) extra point scored by kicking a field goal after scoring a touchdown.
  4. (marketing) An online advertising performance metric representing a visitor performing whatever the intended result of an ad is defined to be. This can be a purchase or a download of a whitepaper.
     
convocation Tweet Definition of convocation Like Definition of convocation on Facebook
noun 
  1. The act of calling or assembling by summons.
  2. An assembly or meeting.
  3. An assembly of the clergy, by their representatives, to consult on ecclesiastical affairs.
  4. An academical assembly, in which the business of the university is transacted.
     
corona Tweet Definition of corona Like Definition of corona on Facebook
noun (plural: coronae or coronas)
  1. A crown or garland bestowed among the Romans as a reward for distinguished services.
  2. (star): The luminous plasma atmosphere of the Sun or other star, extending millions of kilometres into space, most easily seen during a total solar eclipse,
  3. (biology): Any crown-like appendage of a plant or animal.
  4. (electrical): a low energy discharge caused by ionization of a gas by an electric field quite common at conductor bends of 12kV or higher.
     
corporal Tweet Definition of corporal Like Definition of corporal on Facebook
noun 
  1. A non-commissioned officer rank in the military (OR-4) force, below a sergeant but above a private or patrolman.
  2. A non-commissioned officer rank in the police force, below a sergeant but above a private or patrolman.
adjective 
  1. (archaic) Having a physical, tangible body; corporeal.
  2. Of or pertaining to the body, especially the human body.
     
council Tweet Definition of council Like Definition of council on Facebook
noun 
  1. A committee that leads or governs (e.g. city council, student council)
     
counsel Tweet Definition of counsel Like Definition of counsel on Facebook
noun 
  1. The exchange of opinions and advice; consultation
  2. Advice or guidance so given
  3. A lawyer, as in Queen's Counsel (QC)
verb 
  1. To give advice, especially professional advice.
The lawyer counselled his client to remain silent.
Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other mental health professionals counsel clients.
  1. To recommend
     
covenant Tweet Definition of covenant Like Definition of covenant on Facebook
noun 
  1. (legal) An agreement to do or not do a particular thing.
  2. (legal) A promise, incidental to a deed or contract, either express or implied.
    1. A pact or binding agreement between two or more parties.
    2. An incidental clause in an agreement.
    3. (biblical) God's promise to humanity after the Flood, symbolised by the rainbow.
    4. (biblical) God's promise to Israel in both the Old Testament and the New Testament that He would redeem the nation of Israel, give Israel the land of Zion, and "appear in his glory" and "come out of Zion" when "all Israel shall be saved" (cf. Psalm 201:15-18, Romans 11:25-27).
    5. (biblical) God's general promise of salvation to the faithful as taught in the Bible.
verb 
  1. to enter into, or promise something by, a covenant
  1. (legal) To enter a formal agreement.
  2. (legal) To bind oneself in contract.
  3. (legal) To make a stipulation.
     
creation Tweet Definition of creation Like Definition of creation on Facebook
noun 
  1. (countable) An invention, artwork, etc
I think the manufacturer was so ashamed of their creation that they didn't put their name on it!
  1. (uncountable) The act of creation.
The restructure resulted in the creation of a number of shared services.
  1. (uncountable) All which exists
Let us pray to Christ, the King of all creation.
     
creationism Tweet Definition of creationism Like Definition of creationism on Facebook
noun (uncountable)
  1. The Catholic doctrine that each individual human soul is created by God, as opposed to traducianism
  2. Any creationary belief, especially a belief that the origin of things is due to an event or process of creation brought about by the deliberate act of any divine agency, such as a Creator god.
  3. The creationary beliefs of Judaism, Christianity or Islam.
  4. The theological controversy concerning the origin of the human species, and other living beings, and especially questioning in what sense if any the creationary acts of God are considered a matter of historical fact
  5. The subject of a debate concerning origins and the findings of science, focused on the degree to which the theory of evolution is compatible with religious belief in the Creator.
     
Creator Tweet Definition of Creator Like Definition of Creator on Facebook
proper noun 
  1. (context, religion, christianity) The God.
     
credence Tweet Definition of credence Like Definition of credence on Facebook
noun 
  1. acceptance, Acceptance of a belief or claim as true, especially on the basis of evidence.
Based on the scientific data, I give to this hypothesis.
  1. (rare) credential, Credential or supporting material for a person or claim.
He presented us with a letter of .
  1. (religion) A small table or credenza used in certain Christian religious services.
verb (credenc, ing)
  1. (obsolete) To give credence to; to believe.
     
credenza Tweet Definition of credenza Like Definition of credenza on Facebook
noun 
  1. A sideboard or buffet.
  2. In office furniture, a horizontal filing cabinet, typically placed behind a desk.
(seeCites)      
creed Tweet Definition of creed Like Definition of creed on Facebook
noun 
  1. That which is believed; accepted doctrine, especially religious; a particular set of beliefs; any summary of principles or opinions professed or adhered to.
  2. A reading or statement of belief that summarizes the faith it represents; a definite summary of what is believed; a confession of faith for public use; esp., one which is brief and comprehensive.
verb 
  1. To believe; to credit.
     
crosier Tweet Definition of crosier Like Definition of crosier on Facebook
noun 
  1. A staff with a hooked end similar to a shepherd's crook, or with a cross at the end, carried by an abbot, bishop, or archbishop as a symbol of office.
  2. (botany): A young fern frond, before it has unrolled; fiddlehead
     
Cross Tweet Definition of Cross Like Definition of Cross on Facebook
proper noun 
  1. An English topographic surname for someone who lived near a stone cross on a road
     
crozier Tweet Definition of crozier Like Definition of crozier on Facebook
noun 
  1. (alternative spelling of, crosier)
     
crucifix Tweet Definition of crucifix Like Definition of crucifix on Facebook
noun (plural crucifixes)
  1. A wooden cross used by the Romans for crucifixions.
  2. An ornamental or symbolic representation of Christ on a crucifix, often worn as a pendant or displayed in a Christian church.
     
crucifixion Tweet Definition of crucifixion Like Definition of crucifixion on Facebook
noun 
  1. execution by being nailed or tied to an upright cross and left to hang there until dead.
  2. (the Crucifixion) The death on a cross of Christ.
     
cult Tweet Definition of cult Like Definition of cult on Facebook
noun 
  1. A group or doctrine with religious, philosophical or cultural identity sometimes viewed as a sect, often existent on the margins of society.
  2. devotion, Devotion to a saint.
  3. A group that exploits members psychologically and/or financially, typically by making members comply with leadership's demands through certain types of psychological manipulation, popularly called mind control, and through the inculcation of deep-seated anxious dependency on the group and its leaders.
adjective 
  1. Of, or relating to a cult.
  2. Enjoyed by a small, loyal group.
     
curacy Tweet Definition of curacy Like Definition of curacy on Facebook
noun (curacies)
  1. The office or position of a curate
  2. The benefice of a perpetual curate
     
curate Tweet Definition of curate Like Definition of curate on Facebook
noun 
  1. an assistant rector or vicar
  2. a parish priest
     
cure Tweet Definition of cure Like Definition of cure on Facebook
noun 
  1. a method, device or medication that restores good health
  2. a solution to a problem
verb (cur, ing)
  1. to restore to good health
  2. to relieve from a disease or its ill effects
  3. to preserve
     
Curia Tweet Definition of Curia Like Definition of Curia on Facebook
proper noun 
  1. The central administration of the Roman Catholic Church
     

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