pontifical Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the vestments and other insignia of a pontiff (especially a bishop)
  2. adjective proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles
    papal; apostolical; apostolic.
    • papal dispensation
  3. adjective denoting or governed by or relating to a bishop or bishops
    episcopal.
  4. adjective satellite puffed up with vanity
    pompous; portentous; grandiloquent; overblown.
    • a grandiloquent and boastful manner
    • overblown oratory
    • a pompous speech
    • pseudo-scientific gobbledygook and pontifical hooey"- Newsweek

WordNet

Pon*tif"ic*al adjective
Etymology
L. pontificalis: cf. F. pontifical. See Pontiff.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to a pontiff, or high priest; as, pontifical authority; hence, belonging to the pope; papal.
  2. Of or pertaining to the building of bridges. R.
    Now had they brought the work by wondrous art Pontifical, a ridge of pendent rock Over the vexed abyss. Milton.
Pon*tif"ic*al noun
Etymology
F.
Definitions
  1. A book containing the offices, or formulas, used by a pontiff. South.
  2. pl. The dress and ornaments of a pontiff. "Dressed in full pontificals." Sir W. Scott.

Webster 1913