1. relating to the early Christian church fathers or their writings and teachings
Usage: theological; academic

Examples

• The seminary course focused on patristical literature from the first five centuries.
• Her dissertation examined patristical interpretations of biblical texts.
• The library’s patristical collection includes works by Augustine and Jerome.
• Scholars debate the patristical origins of certain Christian doctrines.
• The professor specialized in patristical theology and early church history.