papal Hear it!

papal Definition

pa·pal (pəl)

adjective

of or relating to a pope or the papacy

Etymology: ME < MFr < ML(Ec) papalis: see pope & -al

papal Related Forms

pa·pally adverb

papal Synonyms

papal

modif.

pontifical, emanating from the Pope or the Vatican, papist*, papistic*, papistical*, popish*, Romanistic*, Romish*.

papal Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • legate: But the parties were never summoned to Rome: the cases were treated in loco, and by papal legates.
  • infallibility: In 1870 the First Vatican Council affirmed the doctrine of papal infallibility.
  • encyclical: I am sure that he knows that the original concept derives from Catholic teaching, and a 19th century papal encyclical.
  • curia: A spokesman for the Vatican said: " The papal curia held an emergency meeting last night.
  • bull: A papal bull was issued urging her to marry.
  • nuncio: He has left it to Primrose to handle the business; he can have his companion if he secures the papal nuncio 's approval.

Browse dictionary entries near papal

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  10. panzer
  1. Papal States
  2. paparazzo
  3. papaverine
  4. papaw
  5. papaya
  6. Papeete
  7. paper
  8. paper birch
  9. paper clip
  10. paper cutter