part of the Index, the official list of books that Roman Catholics are not allowed to read. The Index includes both the Index Librorum Prohibitorum and the Index Expurgatorius. The former contains a list of such books as are absolutely forbidden to be read by faithful Catholics. The latter contains such books as are forbidden until certain parts are omitted or amended. Last published in 1948, the Index was declared inoperative by Roman Catholic church officials in 1966. —5th ACC Vol 2 Glossary (Final Approval 7/12/89), ConciseColumbia Encyclopedia and Reader's Encyclopedia