a magnificent entertainment or treat given to ambassadors, and other persons of distinction, to entertain or do them honour.

It is usual, in Italy, at the arrival of a traveller of eminence, to send him a regale, that is, a present of sweetmeats, fruit, &c. by way of refreshment.

the French jurisprudence, is a royal prerogative, which consists in enjoying the revenues of bishoprics during the vacancy of their fees, of presenting to benefices, and of obliging the new bishop to take an oath of fidelity, and to register it in the chamber of accounts.

The enjoyment of the fruits of the fee is called the temporal regale; and that of presenting to the fee, the spiritual regale.