"non-Catholic," 1809, from a- (3) + Catholic.

"faith and practice of the Catholic church," 1610s, from Catholic + -ism.

1790, "Catholicism, faith or doctrines of the Catholic church," from Catholic + -ity. The meaning "quality of being inclusive or comprehensive" is by 1812.

"of or pertaining to the Pope or the Roman Catholic Church," 1520s, a hostile coinage from Pope + -ish.

"Roman-Catholic," 1530s, "commonly used in a slightly invidious sense" [Century Dictionary], from Rome + -ish.

"the resurgence of the Catholic Church from mid-16c. to early 17c. in response to the Protestant Reformation," 1840, from counter- + Reformation.

"seminary student," 1580s, from seminary + -ian. Sometimes also "Catholic priest educated in a seminary," though seminarist (1580s) tended to be used for this.

Latin, literally "nothing" (see nil). Phrase nihil obstat "nothing stands in the way" printed on first pages of a Catholic work indicates its official approval.

sect of Syrian Christians, originally Monothelites, subsequently (1216) united with the Catholic Church; 1510s, from Late Latin Maronita, from Maron, name of the 4c. Syrian monk who was the founder.

1650s, in reference to doctrine of Cornelius Jansen (1585-1638), Catholic bishop of Ypres, who maintained the perverseness and inability for good of the natural human will. The term is prominent in 17c.-18c. religious writing, often as a reproach. The surname is the Flemish equivalent of Johnson. Related: Jansenist.