TRADITIONAL CATHOLIC DICTIONARY ONLINE—W

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Wake, n.; Scand. The vigil or watch kept before the burial of a person.

Whitsunday, n.; A.S. Literally, White Sunday, a name applied to Pentecost or the feast of Pentecost.

Wimple, n.; A.S. The linen or silk covering placed in folds about the neck, chin, and sides or the face, and worn by sisters or nuns of certain religious communities.

Wisdom, n., A.S. (1) A book of the Old Testament written in the first century before Christ by an unknown author. (Cf. Books of Wisdom.) (2) One of the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost.

Witchcraft, n.; A.S. The art of doing things or performing certain feats which have the appearance of being supernatural but which are done without the aid of God; the power of doing unnatural things by aid of the evil spirit; trafficking with the devil or evil spirits; the casting of spells, curses, incantations to the devil, etc.

Works (of Mercy), n.pl.; A.S. Meritorious deeds of Christian charity performed in the service of one's neighbor to relieve his needs of body or of soul.

(a) Corporal works of mercy:

to feed the hungry,

to give drink to the thirsty,

to clothe the naked,

to shelter the homeless,

to visit the sick,

to visit the imprisoned,

and to bury the dead.

(b) Spiritual works of mercy:

to counsel the doubtful,

to instruct the ignorant,

to admonish the sinner,

to comfort the sorrowful,

to forgive injuries,

to bear wrongs patiently,

and to pray for the living and the dead.

Worship, n.; A.S. Honour shown to anyone because of superior excellence. Divine worship is the adoration of and prayer to God whereby we honour Him because of His infinite excellence. Veneration is the honour given to saints because of their great excellence. (Cf. Latria, Dulia, and Hyperdulia.)

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