cathedra
Americannoun
plural
cathedrae-
the seat or throne of a bishop in the principal church of a diocese.
-
an official chair, as of a professor in a university.
-
an ancient Roman chair used by women, having an inclined, curved back and curved legs flaring outward: the Roman copy of the Greek klismos.
noun
-
a bishop's throne
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the office or rank of a bishop
-
See ex cathedra
Etymology
Origin of cathedra
1625–35; < Latin < Greek kathédra, derivative of kathézomai to sit down; cata-, sit 1; chair
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Popes wield such power that they can speak ex cathedra — literally, from the papal throne — to make infallible pronouncements on morality that the faithful must obey.
From Los Angeles Times
The last time a pope issued an ex cathedra decree was in 1950, when Pius XII made the assumption of Mary into heaven an article of faith.
From Washington Post
Though Notre Dame has moved liturgically to a new home, Notre Dame will always remain Paris‘ cathedral - officials are at pains to point out - so long as the bishop’s physical chair, or “cathedra” doesn’t move.
From Washington Times
Though Notre Dame has moved liturgically to a new home, Notre Dame will always remain Paris’ cathedral — officials are at pains to point out — so long as the bishop’s physical chair, or “cathedra” doesn’t move.
From Seattle Times
The service will include traditions such as anointing Bishop Lane with oil, and she will sit in the cathedra - the bishop's seat - for the first time.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
