Roman Catechism 15.2

Chapter 15 — Part II: The Sacraments — Introduction on the Sacraments in General

Section 2. The Word "Sacrament" — Since, then, we are about to treat of the Sacraments in general, it is proper to begin in the first place by explaining the force and meaning of the word Sacrament, and showing its various significations, in order the more easily to comprehend the sense in which it is here used. The faithful, therefore, are to be informed that the word Sacrament, in so far as it concerns our present purpose, is differently understood by sacred and profane writers.