De*cre"tal , n. [LL.
decretale, neut. of L.
decretalis. See Decretal, a.]
1. (R. C. Ch.) 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) The collection of ecclesiastical decrees and decisions made, by order of
Gregory IX., in 1234, by St.
Raymond of Pennafort.
De*cre"tal (?), a. [L. decretalis, fr. decretum. See Decree.]
Appertaining to a decree; containing a decree; as, a
decretal epistle. Ayliffe.
Hear it pronounced