Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Pontiff
Pon′tiff
,Noun.
[F.
pontife
, L. pontifex
, -ficis
; pons
, pontis
, a bridge (perhaps originally, a way, path) + facere
to make. Cf. Pontoon
.] A high priest.
Especially: (a)
One of the sacred college, in ancient Rome, which had the supreme jurisdiction over all matters of religion, at the head of which was the Pontifex Maximus.
Dr. W. Smith.
(b)
(Jewish Antiq.)
The chief priest.
(c)
(R. C. Ch.)
The pope.
Definition 2024
pontiff
pontiff
English
Noun
pontiff (plural pontiffs)
- A bishop of the early Church; now specifically, the Pope. [from 16th c.]
- 2007, Edwin Mullins, The Popes of Avignon, Blue Bridge 2008, p. 46:
- In several respects John turned out to be an unexpected figure as supreme pontiff.
- 2007, Edwin Mullins, The Popes of Avignon, Blue Bridge 2008, p. 46:
- (figuratively) Any chief figure or leader of a religion. [from 16th c.]
- (historical) A pontifex. [from 17th c.]
Related terms
Translations
pope