from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
[1913 Webster]
Men of other countries [came] to bear their part in
so great and catholic a war. --Southey.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
2. Not narrow-minded, partial, or bigoted; liberal; as,
catholic tastes.
[1913 Webster]
3. Of or pertaining to, or affecting the Roman Catholics; as,
the Catholic emancipation act.
[1913 Webster]
{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.
[1913 Webster]
from
Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
Catholic epistles
the epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude; so called because
they are addressed to Christians in general, and not to any
church or person in particular.