PONTIFICAL

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin ~e, from neuter of ~is Date: 14th century episcopal attire, a book containing the forms for sacraments and rites performed by a bishop, II. adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin ~is, from pontific-, pontifex Date: 15th century 1. of or relating to a pontiff or pontifex, celebrated by a prelate of episcopal rank with distinctive ceremonies , pompous , pretentiously dogmatic, ~ly adverb