Pontifical States

English

Etymology

Calque of Italian Stati Pontifici.

Proper noun

the Pontifical States pl (normally plural, singular Pontifical State)

  1. (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, […]
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