pontificals


pon·tif·i·cal

P0439000 (pŏn-tĭf′ĭ-kəl)adj.1. Relating to, characteristic of, or suitable for a pontiff.2. Pompously dogmatic or self-important; pretentious.n.1. pontificals The vestments and insignia of a bishop.2. A book of forms for ceremonies performed by a bishop.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin pontificālis, of a pontifex, from pontifex, pontific-, pontifex; see pontifex.]
pon·tif′i·cal·ly adv.

pontificals

(pɒnˈtɪfɪkəlz) pl n (Roman Catholic Church) chiefly RC Church the insignia and special vestments worn by a bishop, esp when celebrating High Mass