Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Leopoldo Caldani Catholic anatomist and physiologist, born Bologna , Italy , 1725 ; died Padua, Italy , 1813 . He is noted for his experimental studies on the function of the spinal cord and for the introduction of electricity in the physiology of the nerves. His most celebrated work is his anatomical atlas made in … Continue reading “Leopoldo Caldani”

Leopoldine Society, The Established at Vienna for the purpose of aiding the Catholic missions in North America. When the Society for the Propagation of Faith was founded at Lyons, in 1822, it did not spread beyond the French borders for a considerable time. Other nations were not unwilling to cooperate, but were deliberating whether to … Continue reading “Leopoldine Society, The”

Leopoldine Association Founded in Austria in 1829 to give help to missions in America; originated in the exertions of Father John Frederic Reze, vicar general of Bishop Fenwick of Cincinnati, and sent by him to Europe to recruit priests. The society, which still exists, was named in honor of Leopoldina, Empress of Brazil, daughter of … Continue reading “Leopoldine Association”

Leopold IV margrave of Austria, son of Leopold III, was born Sept. 29, 1073. He was educated by the priest Udalrich, under the direction of Altmann. bishop of Passau, and succeeded his father in 1096. His chief object during his whole reign was to promote the happiness of his subjects. He avoided war, and husbanded … Continue reading “Leopold IV”

Leopold II of Germany (1790-1792) and I of Tuscany (1765-1790), the second son of Maria Theresa of Austria and her husband Francis of Lorraine, is noted in Church History for the part he took in the ecclesiastical affairs of Tuscany, which, after Maria Theresa had succeeded to the Austrian dominions, according to treaties, establishing the … Continue reading “Leopold II”

Leopard-worship The leopard is held in great dread by the natives of different parts of Africa, not only on account of its ferocity, but from the superstitious notion that wicked men metamorphose themselves into these animals, and commit all sorts of depredations without the liability or possibility of being killed. In southern Guinea large villages … Continue reading “Leopard-worship”

LEOPARD A fierce wild beast of the feline genus, beautifully spotted with a diversity of colors; it has small eyes, wide jaws, sharp teeth, round ears, a large tail; five claws on the fore feet, and four on those behind. It is swift, craft, and cruel; dangerous to all domestic cattle, and even to man, … Continue reading “Leopard”

Leontopolis A titular archiepiscopal see of Augustamnica Secunda. Strabo (XVII, 1,19, 20) places it near Mendete and Diospolis, and says (XVII, 1, 40) that the inhabitants worshipped a lion, whence the name of the town. In reality, the name comes from Horus, who according to Egyptian mythology changed himself into a lion (Naville, “Textes relatifs … Continue reading “Leontopolis”

Leontius, Saint Bishop of Fréjus, in Provence. France, b. probably at Nimes, towards the end of the fourth century; d. in his episcopal town in 488. according to some authorities, though others say 443 or even 448. The date of his episcopal ordination is uncertain, but most likely it took place between the years 400 … Continue reading “Leontius, Saint”

Leontius, priest and martyr of Armenia Leontius (74), priest and martyr of Armenia in the reign of Isdigerd II. of Persia. He acted a conspicuous part in the stand of the Armenian church against the court of Persia, as related chiefly in the History of Varian by Elisha Vartabed and in the historical work of … Continue reading “Leontius, priest and martyr of Armenia”