I. -shən ə l, -shnəl noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin processionale, from neuter of processionalis, adjective, from Late Latin procession-, processio + -alis -al
1.
a. : a book containing material (as hymns, litanies) to be sung or recited during a religious procession and often containing regulations for conducting various types of religious procession
b. : a musical composition designed for a procession: as
(1) : a hymn sung during a religious procession ; especially : a hymn sung at the entrance of a procession (as of clergy and choir) into a church at the beginning of a service
(2) : an instrumental composition typically solemn in character and written as an accompaniment for a religious or other ceremonial procession
c. : the first part of a church service or some other solemn function during which a procession (as of clergy and choir) enters the place in which the service or function is being held
2. : procession 1a,2
marched in a Sunday School processional — K.D.Miller
slow processional of years — R.W.Howard
II. adjective
Etymology: French or Medieval Latin; French processionel, from Medieval Latin processionalis
1.
a. : of, relating to, or typical of a procession
moved along in good processional order
the car slowed down, and at processional pace we crept along the road — Richard Church
b. : designed for or used in a procession
processional music
a processional cross
processional vestments
2. : grouped or moving in or as if in a procession
automobiles poking along in processional lines of traffic
• pro·ces·sion·al·ly - ə l]ē, -əl], ]i\ adverb