papal
|pa-pal|
/ˈpeɪpəl/
of or relating to the pope
Etymology
'papal' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'papalis', where 'papa' meant 'pope' (from Greek 'pappas' meaning 'father').
'papal' changed from Late Latin 'papalis' and passed into Old French (papal) and Middle English, eventually becoming the modern English word 'papal'.
Initially, it meant 'of or belonging to the pope', and over time it has retained that core meaning, now used broadly for things relating to the pope or his authority.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to the pope or the office of the pope (the papacy).
The papal visit attracted thousands of people to the city.
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Adjective 2
issued by, from, or characteristic of the pope or his authority (e.g., a papal decree or papal bull).
The papal decree altered the church's administrative rules.
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Last updated: 2025/11/01 00:20