encyclical — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A papal letter, intended for general circulation in the Catholic Church.

   Synonyms

   encyclical letter

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   In his encyclical – the first major text on safeguarding humankind of his papacy – he also apologised for the Catholic church’s long delay in condemning slavery, describing it as “a wound in Christian memory”, and spoke of the “new forms of slavery” due to the digital economy.

Adjective

1. Intended for general circulation.

   Usage

   • not-comparable

Adjective

1. intended for wide distribution

   Examples

   an encyclical letter

Noun

1. a letter from the pope sent to all Roman Catholic bishops throughout the world

   Synonyms

   encyclical letter

   Broader terms

   lettermissive