Of*fi"cial (?), a. [L. officialis: cf. F. officiel. See Office, and cf. Official, n.]
1.
Of or pertaining to an office or public trust; as, official duties, or routine.
That, in the official marks invested, you
Anon do meet the senate.
Shak.
2.
Derived from the proper office or officer, or from the proper authority; made or communicated by virtue of authority; as, an official statement or report.
3. Pharm.
Approved by authority; sanctioned by the pharmacopeia; appointed to be used in medicine; as, an official drug or preparation. Cf. Officinal.
4.
Discharging an office or function.
[Obs.]
The stomach and other parts official unto nutrition.
Sir T. Browne.
© Webster 1913.
Of*fi"cial, n. [L. officialis a magistrate's servant or attendant: cf.F. official. See Official, a., and cf. Officer.]
1.
One who holds an office; esp., a subordinate executive officer or attendant.
2.
An ecclesiastical judge appointed by a bishop, chapter, archdeacon, etc., with charge of the spiritual jurisdiction.
Blackstone.
© Webster 1913.