[hi.er.at.ic] adj [L hieraticus sacerdotal, fr. Gk hieratikos, fr. hierasthai to perform priestly functions, fr. hieros sacred; prob. akin to Skt isara vigorous] (1669) 1: constituting or belonging to a cursive form of ancient Egyptian writing simpler than the hieroglyphic
2: sacerdotal
3: highly stylized or formal "~ poses" -- hi.er.at.i.cal.ly adv