Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Catholic \Cath"o*lic\ (k[a^]th"[-o]*[i^]k), a. [L. catholicus,
   Gr. kaqoliko`s, universal, general; kata` down, wholly +
   "o`los whole, probably akin to E. solid: cf. F. catholique.]
   1. Universal or general; as, the catholic faith.

            Men of other countries [came] to bear their part in
            so great and catholic a war.          --Southey.

   Note: This epithet, which is applicable to the whole
         Christian church, or its faith, is claimed by Roman
         Catholics to belong especially to their church, and in
         popular usage is so limited.

   2. Not narrow-minded, partial, or bigoted; liberal; as,
      catholic tastes.

   3. Of or pertaining to, or affecting the Roman Catholics; as,
      the Catholic emancipation act.

   {Catholic epistles}, the epistles of the apostles which are
      addressed to all the faithful, and not to a particular
      church; being those of James, Peter, Jude, and John.