WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Of*fi"cial
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [L. officialis: cf. F. officiel. See Office, and cf. Official, n.]
Definition : 1. Of or pertaining to an office or public trust; as, official duties, or routine. That, in the official marks invested, you Anon do meet the senate. Shak.

2. Derived from the proper office or officer, or from the proper authority; made or communicated by virtue of authority; as, an official statement or report.

3. (Pharm.)

Defn: Approved by authority; sanctioned by the pharmacopoeia; appointed to be used in medicine; as, an official drug or preparation. Cf. Officinal.

4. Discharging an office or function. [Obs.] The stomach and other parts official unto nutrition. Sir T. Browne.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Of*fi"cial
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. officialis a magistrate's servant or attendant: cf.F. official. See Official, a., and cf. Officer.]
Definition : 1. One who holds an office; esp., a subordinate executive officer or attendant.

2. An ecclesiastical judge appointed by a bishop, chapter, archdeacon, etc., with charge of the spiritual jurisdiction. Blackstone.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913