Decretal

[di'kri:tәl]

Definition

(a.) Appertaining to a decree; containing a decree; as, a decretal epistle.

(a.) 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.

(a.) The collection of ecclesiastical decrees and decisions made, by order of Gregory IX., in 1234, by St. Raymond of Pennafort.

Typed by Jared

Definition

adj. pertaining to a decree.—n. a decree esp. of the pope: a book containing decrees: spec. in pl. the second part of the canon law the decrees of various popes determining points of ecclesiastical law.—n. Decrē′tist in medieval universities a student of the decretals a student of law.—adjs. Decrē′tive; Decrē′tory pertaining to a decree judicial.

Inputed by Celia