Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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SKULL

A symbol of death often found in conjunction with the Cross. The Latin calvaria is translated "skull" (John 19:17). St. Jerome and St. Mary Magdalene are sumbolized with a skull denoting their preoccupation with death, penance, and eternity. (Etym. Middle English skulle; of Scandinavion origin, probably from Old High German scollo, clod, lump, scala, shell.)