Dictionary entry

Pontifical

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Pon‐tif″ic‐al (?), a. [L. pontificalis: cf. F. pontifical. See Pontiff.] 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.

Now had they brought the work by wondrous art

Pontifical, a ridge of pendent rock

Over the vexed abyss. Milton.