pontifical

Relating to, characteristic of, or suitable for a pontiff.

Pompously dogmatic or self-important; pretentious.

The vestments and insignia of a bishop.

A book of forms for ceremonies performed by a bishop.

Of or pertaining to bridge-building.

Of, belonging to, or befitting a pontiff or high priest.

Of or pertaining to a bishop.

Of or pertaining to the Pope of Rome; papal; popish.

In liturgics, an office-book of the Western Church, containing the forms for the sacraments and other rites and ceremonies which can be performed only by a bishop (especially those for ordination, confirmation, and consecration of churches), the changes in the rubrics necessary when a bishop officiates, benedictions, and other forms, some of which can be used by priests who have received special commission from the bishop.

plural The insignia of a pontiff; the dress, ornaments, etc., of a bishop or pope, or, more loosely, those of a priest. See pontificalia.