decretal

[ dih-kreet-l ]

adjective

1. pertaining to, of the nature of, or containing a decree or decrees.

noun

1. a papal decree authoritatively determining some point of doctrine or church law.
2. Decretals, the body or collection of such decrees as a part of the canon law.

decretal

/ dɪˈkriːtəl /

noun

1. RC Church a papal edict on doctrine or church law

adjective

1. of or relating to a decretal or a decree

Derived Forms

• deˈcretalist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decretal¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Old French < Late Latin dēcrētālis fixed by decree, equivalent to dēcrēt ( um ) decree + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of decretal¹

C15: from Old French, from Late Latin dēcrētālis; see decree

Example Sentences

She had doubtless been informed of the secret decretal by which the Pope appeared to have prejudged her cause.

From Project Gutenberg

The Pope said the decretal ought to have been burnt, and refused to discuss the matter further.

From Project Gutenberg

The fatal decretal was to be seen only by a very few persons, and then, as Henry said, Campeggio was to burn it.

From Project Gutenberg

The decretal could not be produced, but, with or without it, the King insisted that the court should sit.

From Project Gutenberg

Such sterilization of a woman is in contravention to the decretal of Gregory as given in the chapter on Vasectomy.

From Project Gutenberg