a. [ L. cardinalis, fr. cardo the hinge of a door, that on which a thing turns or depends: cf. F. cardinal. ] Of fundamental importance; preëminent; superior; chief; principal. [ 1913 Webster ]
The cardinal intersections of the zodiac. Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]
Impudence is now a cardinal virtue. Drayton. [ 1913 Webster ]
But cardinal sins, and hollow hearts, I fear ye. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
Cardinal numbers,
Cardinal points
Cardinal signs (Astron.)
Cardinal teeth (Zool.),
Cardinal veins (Anat.),
Cardinal virtues,
Cardinal winds,
n. [ F. carinal, It. cardinale, LL. cardinalis (ecclesiæ Romanæ). See Cardinal, a. ]
The clerics of the supreme Chair are called Cardinals, as undoubtedly adhering more nearly to the hinge by which all things are moved. Pope Leo IX. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ The cardinals are appointed by the pope. Since the time of Sixtus V., their number can never exceed seventy (six of episcopal rank, fifty priests, fourteen deacons), and the number of cardinal priests and deacons is seldom full. When the papel chair is vacant a pope is elected by the college of cardinals from among themselves. The cardinals take precedence of all dignitaries except the pope. The principal parts of a cardinal's costume are a red cassock, a rochet, a short purple mantle, and a red hat with a small crown and broad brim, with cords and tessels of a special pattern hanging from it. [ 1913 Webster ]
Where's your cardinal! Make haste. Lloyd. [ 1913 Webster ]
Cardinal bird,
Cardinal grosbeak
Cardinal flower (Bot.),
Cardinal red,
n. [ Cf. F. cardinalat, LL. cardinalatus. ] The office, rank, or dignity of a cardinal. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t. To exalt to the office of a cardinal. Sheldon. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The condition, dignity, of office of a cardinal [ 1913 Webster ]
a.
Carding engine,
Carding machine