‖ magisterium
(ˌmædʒɪˈstɪərɪəm)
[L.: = next.]
† 1. Alchemy. = magistery 3 a. Obs.
| 1593 G. Harvey Pierce's Super. 30 Hee is a Pythagorean, and a close fellow of his tongue, and pen, that hath the right magisterium indeede. 1610 B. Jonson Alch. i. iv, This is the day, I am to perfect for him The magisterium, our great worke, the stone. 1654 Gayton Pleas. Notes ii. ii. 39 Which without doubt hath a villanous contagium upon the grand magisterium of the Stone. |
2. R.C. Theol. The teaching function of the Church.
| 1866 Dublin Rev. Apr. 422 Roman Catholics, throughout the world, are instructed in certain doctrines; are exhorted to certain practices; are encouraged and trained in certain tempers and dispositions. The Church's office in providing for this is called her ‘magisterium’. 1893 Tablet 11 Feb. 205 Catholic obedience is due to the Church's magisterium, namely, the authoritative teaching of the Pope and the Bishops. 1899 Dublin Rev. Apr. 262 Opposed to the ordinary teaching magisterium of the Catholic Church. |