early 15c., from Middle French pontifical and directly from Latin pontificalis "of or pertaining to the high priest," from pontifex (see pontifex). Hence pontificalia "trappings of a bishop."
权威例句
1. His words criticising modern society just right indicate his pontifical character.
他用以批评现代社会的言论恰好反映了他自大武断的性格。
2. Papal diplomats , all priests nowadays , are trained at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome.