n. (pl. -ies) (also prothonotary) a chief clerk in some law courts, orig. in the Byzantine court.
Phrases and idioms:
Protonotary Apostolic (or Apostolical) a member of the college of prelates who register papal acts, direct the canonization of saints, etc.
Etymology: med.L protonotarius f. late Gk protonotarios (as PROTO-, NOTARY)