pontifical

pontifical Definition

pon·tifi·cal (pän tif′i kəl)

adjective

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

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

noun

pontifical Related Forms

pon·tif′i·cally adverb

pontifical Synonyms

modif.

pontifical Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

university: The Colloquium consists of Roman Catholic canonists from three pontifical universities in Rome; the Angelicum, the Gregorian and the Lateran.
council: There was communication and support between those attending and the members of the pontifical councils who addressed the group.

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