1. relating to a pope or bishop; papal
Usage: religious
2. pompously dogmatic or self-important in manner

Examples

• The cardinal wore his pontifical robes during the ceremony.
• The Vatican issued a pontifical decree on the matter.
• His pontifical attitude annoyed his colleagues.
• She delivered her speech in a pontifical tone.
• The professor’s pontifical manner made students uncomfortable.
• The pontifical mass was celebrated with great ceremony.