Decretal

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Decretal \De*cre"tal\, a. [L. decretalis, fr. decretum. See
     {Decree}.]
     Appertaining to a decree; containing a decree; as, a decretal
     epistle. --Ayliffe.
     [1913 Webster]



From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Decretal \De*cre"tal\, n. [LL. decretale, neut. of L.
     decretalis. See {Decretal}, a.]
     1. (R. C. Ch.) An authoritative order or decree; especially,
        a letter of the pope, determining some point or question
        in ecclesiastical law. The decretals form the second part
        of the canon law.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Canon Law) The collection of ecclesiastical decrees and
        decisions made, by order of Gregory IX., in 1234, by St.
        Raymond of Pennafort.
        [1913 Webster]