pontifical

¹pon·tif·i·cal

noun \pän-ˈti-fi-kəl\

Definition of PONTIFICAL

1

: episcopal attire; specifically : the insignia of the episcopal order worn by a prelate when celebrating a pontifical mass —usually used in plural

2

: a book containing the forms for sacraments and rites performed by a bishop

Origin of PONTIFICAL

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin pontificale, from neuter of pontificalis

First Known Use: 14th century