A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
A symbol of death often found in conjunction with the Cross. The Latin calvaria is translated "skull" (John 19:17). St. Jerome and St. Mary Magdalene are sumbolized with a skull denoting their preoccupation with death, penance, and eternity. (Etym. Middle English skulle; of Scandinavion origin, probably from Old High German scollo, clod, lump, scala, shell.)
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.