decretal

noun

de·​cre·​tal di-ˈkrē-tᵊl How to pronounce decretal (audio)
ˈde-kri-tᵊl
: decree
especially : a papal letter giving an authoritative decision on a point of canon law

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin decretalis of a decree, from Latin decretum decree

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of decretal was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near decretal

decrescent

decretal

decretalist

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Decretal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decretal. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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