ˌæpəsˈtɔlɪk adj. 1 of or relating to
the Apostles. 2 of the Pope regarded as the
successor of St Peter. 3 of the
character of an
Apostle. øApostolic Fathers the
Christian leaders
immediately succeeding the Apostles. apostolic
succession the
uninterrupted transmission of
spiritual authority from the Apostles
through successive popes
and bishops. [F apostolique or eccl.L apostolicus f. Gk apostolikos (as APOSTLE)]