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pontifical

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(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

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

noun

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

Related Forms:

pontifically adverb

See pontifical in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Relating to, characteristic of, or suitable for a pontiff.
Pompously dogmatic or self-important; pretentious.

noun

pontificals The vestments and insignia of a bishop.
A book of forms for ceremonies performed by a bishop.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin pontificālis, of a pontifex

Origin: , from pontifex, pontific-, pontifex; see pontifex

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Related Forms:

pon·tifˈi·cal·ly adverb

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