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
- a pontiff's vestments and insignia
- a book of offices for a bishop
pon·tif′i·cally adverb
pontifical
Synonyms
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.
Browse dictionary entries near pontifical
- pontiff
- pontifex
- Pontic
- Pontianak
- Pontiac
- Pontchartrain
- Ponta Delgada
- pons Varolii
- pons asinorum
- pons
- pontificate
- pontil
- Pontine Marshes
- Pontius Pilate
- pontonier
- pontoon
- Pontormo
- Pontus
- Pontus Euxinus
- pony
