DECRETAL


Meaning of DECRETAL in English

I. də̇ˈkrēd. ə l, dēˈ-, -ēt ə l noun

( -s )

Etymology: Middle English decretale, from Middle French, from Late Latin decretalis, from decretalis, adjective

1. : an authoritative order : decree ; especially : a papal epistle replying to some question concerning general ecclesiastical law

2. decretals plural : the collection of papal decrees forming the second part of the body of canon law

II. adjective

Etymology: Late Latin decretalis, from Latin decretum decree + -alis -al

1. : relating to or containing a decree

a decretal epistle

2. obsolete : having the binding effect of a decree

3. obsolete : decisive , final

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.