Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - pontifical

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin ~e, from neuter of ~is  Date: 14th century  1. episcopal attire; specifically the insignia of the episcopal order worn by a prelate when celebrating a ~ mass — usually used in plural  2. a book containing the forms for sacraments and rites performed by a bishop  II. adjective  Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin ~is, from pontific-, pontifex  Date: 15th century  1.  a. of or relating to a pontiff or pontifex  b. celebrated by a prelate of episcopal rank with distinctive ceremonies ~ mass  2. pompous  3. pretentiously dogmatic  • ~ly adverb