Cardinalitian

/ˌkɑːrdɪnəˈlɪʃən/ adjective

Definition

Relating to cardinals as a group or to the character, dignity, or position of cardinal rank within the Catholic Church.

Etymology

From 'cardinal' plus the suffix '-itian' (relating to or practicing), an archaic adjectival formation. This term appears only in historical religious texts and is now virtually extinct in English.

Kelly Says

This word is so rare that it practically doesn't exist in modern English, but it represents how Renaissance writers created elaborate adjectives for church positions—it's like finding a fossil of how educated people wrote 400 years ago!

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