CATHOLIC

This term is Greek, signifying universal or general. The church of Christ is called catholic, because it extends throughout the world, and during all time. In modern times the church of Rome has usurped this title, improperly applying it exclusively to itself. The "Catholic epistles" are seven, so called because they were addressed to the church or Christians in general, and not to any particular church. They are, one epistle of James, two of Peter, three of John, and one of Jude.

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catholic. Catholic, a. universal, very general, liberal

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Cath″o‐lic (kăth″ō̍‐ĭk), a. [[L. catholicus, Gr. καθολικόσ, universal, general; κατά down, wholly + ὅλοσ whole, probably akin to E. solid: cf. F. catholique.]] 1. 1. Universal or general; as, the catholic faith.
Men of other countries to bear their part in so great and catholic a war. Southey. ☞ 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. 2. Not narrow-minded, partial, or bigoted; liberal; as, catholic tastes.
3. 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.