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.

Random Term from the Dictionary:

PECTORAL CROSS

A cross usually of gold and ornamented with precious stones, worn suspended from the neck by a gold chain or silken cord. It may serve as a reliquary enclosing relics of the saints or the True Cross. Although it is the badge of a bishop, other prelates may wear it during public worship. (Etym. Latin pectoralis, of the breast.)