I. “+ noun
( -s )
Etymology: in sense 1, from Medieval Latin ultramontanus, from ultramontanus situated beyond the mountains; in other senses from ultramontane (II)
1. usually capitalized : a Roman Catholic ecclesiastic in a country north of the Alps
2. : one who lives beyond the mountains: as
a. archaic : one who lives north of the Alps — compare tramontane
b. : one who lives south of the Alps
3. sometimes capitalized : a supporter of ultramontanism
II. adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin ultramontanus, from Latin ultra- + mont-, mons mountain + -anus -an — more at mount
1. : situated beyond the mountains : of or relating to countries or peoples beyond the mountains: as
a. : of or relating to countries or peoples to the north of the Alps
b. : of or relating to Italy
2. sometimes capitalized
[from the fact that the papal seat was located the other side of the Alps from the French]
: of, relating to, or supporting ultramontanism
ultramontane party
3. : claiming an absolute supremacy or a privileged superiority