Definitions for "Papal bull"
Keywords:  pope, bulla, vatican, chancery, solemn
Essentially a letter from the pope to all Christendom, a bull was so called because a lead bulla or seal was attached to it by a cord. [ 27
a formal proclamation issued by the pope (usually written in antiquated characters and sealed with a leaden bulla)
a form of charter or diploma issued under the authority of the pope