DIRECTORY

directory, a term meaning literally that which guides or directs, and so applied to a book or set of rules giving directions for public worship. the _directorium_ or _ordo_ of the roman church contains regulations as to the mass and office to be used on each day throughout the year, and the word is found in the _directory for the publick worship of god_ drawn up in 1644 at the westminster assembly. the term now usually signifies a book containing the names, addresses and occupations, &c. of the inhabitants of a town or district, or of a similar list of the users of a telephone supply, or of the members of a particular profession or trade. the name _directoire_ or directory was given to the body which held the executive power in france from october 1795 until november 1799 (see french revolution).