Pontifical States
English edit
Etymology edit
Calque of Italian Stati Pontifici.
Proper noun edit
the Pontifical States pl (normally plural, singular Pontifical State)
- (dated, historical) The Papal States.
- 1891, George W. Cullum, “Rufus King”, in Biographical Register of the Officers and Graduates of the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, N. Y. […], 3rd edition, volume 1, page 538:
- After nearly a quarter of a century’s residence in Milwaukee, […] he was invited by President Lincoln, immediately after his inauguration, to take the appointment of Minister to the Pontifical States in Italy, […]