See Also: apostolic(dictionary)
apostolic(dictionary)
Apostolic succession(encyclopedia)

apostolic (iou)



apostolic adjective & noun. Also Apostolic. ME.
[French apostolique or ecclesiastical Latin apostolicus from Greek apostolikos, from apostolos: see APOSTLE, -IC.]
A. adjective.
1. Of or pertaining to the Apostles; contemporary with the Apostles. ME.
Apostolic Fathers the early leaders of the Christian Church. apostolic succession the uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority through a succession of Popes and bishops from the Apostles. Catholic and Apostolic Church, Catholic Apostolic Church: see CATHOLIC.
2. Of or pertaining to the Pope as successor of St Peter; papal. LME.
3. Of the nature or character of the Apostles; befitting an apostle. M16.
VICAR apostolic.
4. Hist. Of or pertaining to the Cambridge Apostles. M19.
B. noun. A member of any of various sects seeking to imitate the Apostles. L16.
apostolical adjective LME.
apostolically adverb E17.
apostolicity noun apostolic character or origin E19.