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