Cardinal Word Meaning

Old English, from Latin cardinalis, from cardo, cardin- ‘hinge’. cardinal (sense 1 of the noun) has arisen through the notion of the important function of such priests as ‘pivots’ of church life

a leading dignitary of the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinals are nominated by the Pope, and form the Sacred College which elects succeeding popes (now invariably from among their own number)

church official

• his appointment as cardinal
• the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster

a New World songbird of the bunting family, having a stout bill and typically a conspicuous crest. The male is partly or mostly red in colour.

bird

of the greatest importance; fundamental

fundamental

• two cardinal points must be borne in mind