I. ˈpekt(ə)rəl noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin pectorale breastplate, from neuter of pectoralis of the breast
1. : something worn on the breast for protection or ornament: as
a. : a breastplate or cloth worn as an ecclesiastical vestment
b. : a breastplate worn as armor
c. : pectoral cross
d. obsolete : housing II
2.
[ pectoral (II) ]
: a pectoral part or organ: as
a. : pectoral fin
b. or pectoral muscle : pectoralis
c. : a pectoral scale, plate, or shield
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle French, or Latin; Middle French, from Latin pectoralis, from pector-, pectus breast + -alis -al; akin to Tocharian A päśśäṃ (dual) the two breasts, and perhaps to Old Irish hucht breast, Sanskrit pakṣas side, wing
1. : of, relating to, situated or occurring in or on, or worn on the chest
pectoral arch
the pectoral plates of a turtle's plastron
2. : relating to or good for diseases of the respiratory tract
a pectoral syrup
3. : coming from the breast or heart as the seat of emotion or spiritual inspiration : subjective , fervent
wildly implausible tale … conforms to every pectoral rule of historical fiction without ever quite spinning an illusion — James Kelly
the genre of the pectoral historical romance — New Yorker