in a general sense, denotes anything that is universal or general.

Catholic Church. The rise of heresies induced the primitive Christian church to assume to itself the appellation of catholic, being a characteristic to distinguish itself from all sects, who, though they had party names, sometimes sheltered themselves under the name of Christians.

The Romish church distinguishes itself now by the name of catholic, in opposition to all those who have separated from her communion, and whom she considers as heretics and schismatics, and herself only as the true and Christian church. In the strict sense of the word, there is no catholic church in being, that is, no universal Christian communion.

Catholic King, a title which hath been hereditary to the kings of Spain, ever since Alphonso, who, having gained several victories over the Saracens, and re-established the Christian faith in Spain, was honoured with the title of Catholic. Some say it was in the time of Ferdinand and Isabella.