Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Cathedral

Cathedral , noun

[Late Latin cathedralis (sc. ecclesia): compare French cathédrale. See Cathedra.]

The principal church in a diocese, so called because in it the bishop has his official chair (Cathedra) or throne.

Cathedral , adjective

[Late Latin cathedralis: compare French cathédral.]

1.
Pertaining to the head church of a diocese; as, a cathedral church; cathedral service.
2.
Emanating from the chair of office, as of a pope or bishop; official; authoritative.
Now, what solemnity can be more required for the pope to make a cathedral determination of an article! — Jer. Taylor
3.
Resembling the aisles of a cathedral; as, cathedral walks. — Pope