n. [ L. Vaticanus, mons, or collis, Vaticanus, the Vatican hill, in Rome, on the western bank of the Tiber: cf. F. Vatican, It. Vaticano. ] A magnificent assemblage of buildings at Rome, near the church of St. Peter, including the pope's palace, a museum, a library, a famous chapel, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The word is often used to indicate the papal authority. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thunders of the Vatican, the anathemas, or denunciations, of the pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

. (R. C. Ch.) The council held under Pope Pius IX. in Vatican at Rome, in 1870, which promulgated the dogma of papal infallibility. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. The doctrine of papal supremacy; extreme views in support of the authority of the pope; ultramontanism; -- a term used only by persons who are not Roman Catholics. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who strongly adheres to the papal authority; an ultramontanist. [ 1913 Webster ]