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decretal Definition

de·cre·tal (dē krēt′'l, di-)

adjective

of or containing a decree

Etymology: ME < LL decretalis

noun

  1. a decree
  2. R.C.Ch.
    1. a decree issued by the pope on some matter of ecclesiastical discipline
    2. any collection of such decrees, formerly a part of canon law

decretal Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • pseudo-isidorian: At the head of the Pseudo-Isidorian decretals stand five letters attributed to St. Clement.