Definition of: Paul

(pôl; Fr. pôl, Dan., Ger., Sw. poul)
1. A masculine personal name. Also Lat. Pau·li·nus (pô·lī′nəs), Pg. Pau·lo (pou′1), Lat. Pau·lus (pô′ləs).
2. Appellation of five popes. [<L, small]
—Paul
The apostle to the Gentiles, a Hebrew who, before his conversion, was called Saul of Tarsus; author of various New Testament books; died about A.D. 67. Also Paul the Apostle, Saint Paul.
—Paul I,
1754–1801, emperor of Russia 1798–1801; assassinated.
—Paul I,
born 1901, king of Greece 1947–.
—Paul III,
1468–1549, pope 1534–49; real name Alessandro Farnese; excommunicated Henry VIII; approved Jesuit order.
—Paul VI,
born 1897, pope 1963–; real name Giovanni Battista Montini.