a. [ L. pontificalis: cf. F. pontifical. See Pontiff. ] 1. Of or pertaining to a pontiff, or high priest; as, pontifical authority; hence, belonging to the pope; papal. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Of or pertaining to the building of bridges. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Now had they brought the work by wondrous art
Pontifical, a ridge of pendent rock
Over the vexed abyss. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. ] 1. A book containing the offices, or formulas, used by a pontiff. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. pl. The dress and ornaments of a pontiff. “Dressed in full pontificals.” Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The state and government of the pope; the papacy. [ R. ] Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a pontifical manner. [ 1913 Webster ]