The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Decretal \De*cre"tal\, a. [L. decretalis, fr. decretum. See
Decree.]
Appertaining to a decree; containing a decree; as, a decretal
epistle. --Ayliffe.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Decretal \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.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Canon Law) The collection of ecclesiastical decrees and
decisions made, by order of Gregory IX., in 1234, by St.
Raymond of Pennafort.
[1913 Webster]