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.