pontifical meaning and definition

PONTIFICAL noun

Definition of pontifical (noun)

1. the vestments and other insignia of a pontiff (especially a bishop)

PONTIFICAL adjective

Definition of pontifical (adjective)

1. proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles
   • "papal dispensation"
   • synonyms: apostolic, apostolical, papal
2. denoting or governed by or relating to a bishop or bishops
   • synonyms: episcopal
3. puffed up with vanity
   • "a grandiloquent and boastful manner"; "overblown oratory"; "a pompous speech"; "pseudo-scientific gobbledygook and pontifical hooey"- Newsweek
   • synonyms: grandiloquent, overblown, pompous, portentous