apostolic Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective of or relating to or deriving from the Apostles or their teachings
    apostolical.
  2. adjective proceeding from or ordered by or subject to a pope or the papacy regarded as the successor of the Apostles
    papal; pontifical; apostolical.
    • papal dispensation

WordNet

Ap`os*tol"ic, Ap`os*tol"ic*al adjective (Also<
  • Apostolic
  • Apostolical
)
Etymology
L. apostolicus, Gr. : cf. F. apostolique.
Definitions
  1. Pertaining to an apostle, or to the apostles, their times, or their peculiar spirit; as, an apostolical mission; the apostolic age.
  2. According to the doctrines of the apostles; delivered or taught by the apostles; as, apostolic faith or practice.
  3. Of or pertaining to the pope or the papacy; papal.
Ap`os*tol"ic noun
Etymology
L. apostolicus.
Definitions
  1. (Eccl. Hist.) A member of one of certain ascetic sects which at various times professed to imitate the practice of the apostles.

Webster 1913