In eccleslastlcal law. An lnstru-ment granted by the pope of Rome, and sealed with a seal of lead, containing some decree, commandment, or other public act, emanating from the pontiff. Bull, in this sense, corresponds with edict or letters pat-ent from other governments. Cowell; 4 Bl. Comm. 110; 4 Steph. Comm. 177, 179