Of*fi"cial , n. [L. officialis a magistrate's servant or attendant: cf.F. official. See Official, a., and cf. Officer.]
1. One who holds an
office; esp., a subordinate executive
officer or attendant.
2. An ecclesiastical judge appointed by a bishop, chapter, archdeacon,
etc., with charge of the spiritual jurisdiction. Blackstone.
Of*fi"cial (?), a. [L. officialis: cf. F.
officiel. See Office, and cf. Official, n.]
1. Of or pertaining to an office
or public trust; as, official duties, or routine.
That, in the
official marks invested, you
Anon do
meet the senate.
Shak.
2. Derived from the proper office or officer, or from the proper authority; made or communicated by virtue of
authority; as, an official statement or report.
3.
(Pharm.) Approved by authority; sanctioned by the pharmacopœia; appointed
to be used in
medicine; as, an official drug or preparation. Cf. Officinal.
4.
Discharging an office or function. [Obs.]
The stomach and other parts official unto nutrition.
Sir
T. Browne.
Hear it pronounced