decretal

noun

de·cre·tal di-ˈkrē-tᵊl

ˈde-kri-tᵊl

: decree

especially : a papal letter giving an authoritative decision on a point of canon law

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin decretalis of a decree, from Latin decretum decree

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of decretal was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Decretal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/decretal. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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