adj. & n.
--adj.
1. RC Ch. of or befitting a pontiff; papal.
2 pompously dogmatic; with an attitude of infallibility.
--n.
1. an office-book of the Western Church containing rites to be performed by the Pope or bishops.
2 (in pl.) the vestments and insignia of a bishop, cardinal, or abbot.
Phrases and idioms:
pontifical mass a high mass, usu. celebrated by a cardinal, bishop, etc.
Derivatives:
pontifically adv.
Etymology: ME f. F pontifical or L pontificalis (as PONTIFEX)