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 pharmacopœia; 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.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.