pontifical

pon·tif·i·cal  (pn-tf-kl)

adj.

1. Relating to, characteristic of, or suitable for a pope or bishop.

2. Having the dignity, pomp, or authority of a pontiff or bishop.

3. Pompously dogmatic or self-important; pretentious.

n.

1. pontificals The vestments and insignia of a pontiff or bishop.

2. A book of forms for ceremonies performed by a bishop.

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[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin pontificlis, of a pontifex, from pontifex, pontific-, pontifex; see pontifex.]

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pon·tifi·cal·ly adv.

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pontifical

Adjective

1. of a pontiff

2. pompous or dogmatic in manner

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	pontifical - the vestments and other insignia of a pontiff (especially a bishop) vestment - gown (especially ceremonial garments) worn by the clergy
Adj.	1.	pontifical - proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles; "papal dispensation" apostolical, papal, apostolic
	2.	pontifical - denoting or governed by or relating to a bishop or bishops episcopal
	3.	pontifical - puffed up with vanity; "a grandiloquent and boastful manner"; "overblown oratory"; "a pompous speech"; "pseudo-scientific gobbledygook and pontifical hooey"- Newsweek overblown, pompous, grandiloquent, portentous pretentious - making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction; "a pretentious country house"; "a pretentious fraud"; "a pretentious scholarly edition"