ETYM Latin pontificalis: cf. French pontifical. Related to Pontiff.
Of or pertaining to a pontiff, or high priest; hence, belonging to the pope; papal.
Množina: pontificals
1. Episcopal attire; specifically; the insignia of the episcopal order worn by a prelate when celebrating a pontifical mass — usually used in plural
2. A book containing the forms for sacraments and rites performed by a bishop