pontifical Hear it!

pontifical definition

pon·tifi·cal (pän tifi kəl)

adjective

  1. having to do with a pontifex or a high priest
  2. having to do with or celebrated by a bishop or other high-ranking prelate a pontifical Mass
  3. having to do with the pope; papal
  4. having the pomp, dignity, or dogmatism of a pontiff; sometimes, specif., arrogant or haughty

Etymology: ME pontificall < L pontificalis < pontifex: see pontiff

noun

  1. a pontiff's vestments and insignia
  2. a book of offices for a bishop

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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