De*cre"tal (?), a. [L. decretalis, fr. decretum. See Decree.]
Appertaining to a decree; containing a decree; as, a decretal epistle.
Ayliffe.
© Webster 1913.
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. CanonLaw
The collection of ecclesiastical decrees and decisions made, by order of Gregory IX., in 1234, by St. Raymond of Pennafort.
© Webster 1913.