cathedral Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun any large and important church
  2. noun the principal Christian church building of a bishop's diocese
    duomo.
  3. adjective relating to or containing or issuing from a bishop's office or throne
    • a cathedral church

WordNet

Ca*the"dral noun
Etymology
LL. cathedralis (sc. ecclesia): cf. F. cathédrale. See Cathedra.
Definitions
  1. The principal church in a diocese, so called because in it the bishop has his official chair (Cathedra) or throne.
Ca*the"dral adjective
Etymology
LL. cathedralis: cf. F. cathédral.
Definitions
  1. Pertaining to the head church of a diocese; as, a cathedral church; cathedral service.
  2. Emanating from the chair of office, as of a pope or bishop; official; authoritative.
    Now, what solemnity can be more required for the pope to make a cathedral determination of an article! Jer. Taylor.
  3. Resembling the aisles of a cathedral; as, cathedral walks. Pope.

Webster 1913