a. [Formed as prec. + -AL.] Pertaining to or connected with public worship; having to do with liturgies or forms of public worship, or spec. with the Liturgy or Eucharistic service. Also, pertaining to liturgics.
Liturgical colors: the colors used in ecclesiastical vestments, hangings for the altar, etc., varying according to the season, festival, or kind of service. Liturgical day: a day on which mass was celebrated.
1641. Milton, Animadv., Wks. 1851, III. 202. The time is taken up with a tedious number of Liturgicall tautologies, and impertinencies.
1704. Nelson, Fest. & Fasts, ix. (1739), 581. There being no less than five liturgical Words in that Text.
1849. Rock, Ch. of Fathers, I. ii. 106. The greatest Liturgical scholars are divided on the meaning of this ordinance. Ibid., 172. The Anglo-Saxons got all their liturgical books from Rome.
1861. Pearson, Early & Mid. Ages Eng., 135. A liturgical service like that of the missal.
1875. Chamb. Jrnl., No. 133. 54. The impressive pomp of liturgical ceremonial.
1894. O. J. Reichel, in Trans. Exeter Diocesan Archit. Soc., I. 30. That Pope writing to Decentius informs him that on ordinary liturgical days the presbyters consecrated with their bishop.
Hence Liturgically adv., from a liturgical point of view; in a liturgy, in liturgical worship.
1864. Goulburn, Communion Office, I. 77. Liturgically considered the Decalogue is to be regarded as a lesson from the Law.
1899. T. K. Cheyne, Chr. Use Psalms, i. 18. The Psalms are all used liturgically.
