temporal

Definition

Of or relating to the material world, as opposed to sacred or clerical.

Etymology

From Middle English temporal, temporel (“transitory, worldly, material, of secular society”), from Old French temporel or Latin temporālis (“of time (in grammar), temporary, relating to time as opposed to eternity”), from tempus (“time, period, opportunity”) + -ālis.

Example Sentences

• "temporal power, temporal courts"
• "The Right Honourable the Lords Spiritual and Temporal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled"
• "The [papal] train was in use until 1871, when the Pope [Pius IX] lost his temporal power."