Category:Decretal

De*cre"tal, a. Etym: [L. decretalis, fr. decretum. See Decree.]

Defn: Appertaining to a decree; containing a decree; as, a decretal epistle. Ayliffe.

decretal De*cre"tal, n. Etym: [LL. decretale, neut. of L. decretalis. See Decretal, a.]

1. (R. C. Ch.)

Defn: 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)

Defn: The collection of ecclesiastical decrees and decisions made, by order of Gregory IX., in 1234, by St. Raymond of Pennafort.