a leading dignitary of the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinals are nominated by the Pope, and form the Sacred College which elects succeeding popes (now invariably from among their own number)

his appointment as cardinal

the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster

a New World songbird of the bunting family, having a stout bill and typically a conspicuous crest. The male is partly or mostly red in colour

of the greatest importance; fundamental

two cardinal points must be borne in mind