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Webster 1913 Edition


Decretal

De-cre′tal

,
Adj.
[L.
decretalis
, fr.
decretum
. See
Decree
.]
Appertaining to a decree; containing a decree;
as, a
decretal
epistle
.
Ayliffe.

De-cre′tal

,
Noun.
[LL.
decretale
, neut. of L.
decretalis
. See
Decretal
,
Adj.
]
1.
(R. C. Ch.)
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)
The collection of ecclesiastical decrees and decisions made, by order of Gregory IX., in 1234, by St. Raymond of Pennafort.

Webster 1828 Edition


Decretal

DECRETAL

, n.
1.
A letter of the pope, determining some point or question in ecclesiastical law. The decretals form the second part of the canon law.
2.
A book of decrees, or edicts; a body of laws.
3.
A collection of the popes decrees.