[pon.tif.i.cal] n (14c) 1: episcopal attire; specif: the insignia of the episcopal order worn by a prelate when celebrating a pontifical mass--usu. used in pl.
2: a book containing the forms for sacraments and rites performed by a bishop
[2]pontifical adj [ME, fr. L pontificalis, fr. pontific-, pontifex] (15c) 1 a: of or relating to a pontiff or pontifex b: celebrated by a prelate of episcopal rank with distinctive ceremonies "~ mass"
2: pompous
3: pretentiously dogmatic -- pon.tif.i.cal.ly adv