WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : De*cre"tal
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [L. decretalis, fr. decretum. See Decree.]
Definition : Defn: Appertaining to a decree; containing a decree; as, a decretal epistle. Ayliffe.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : De*cre"tal
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [LL. decretale, neut. of L. decretalis. See Decretal, a.]
Definition : 1. (R. C. Ch.)

Defn: 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.

2. (Canon Law)

Defn: The collection of ecclesiastical decrees and decisions made, by order of Gregory IX., in 1234, by St. Raymond of Pennafort.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913