Pontiff

['pɒntɪf] or ['pɑntɪf]

Definition

(n.) A high priest.

(n.) 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.

(n.) The chief priest.

(n.) The pope.

Editor: Nicolas

Synonyms and Synonymous

n. Pope, bishop of Rome.

Edited by Adrian

Definition

n. (R.C.) a bishop esp. the pope—originally an ancient Roman high-priest the Pon′tifex.—adjs. Pontif′ic -al of or belonging to a pontiff or to a bishop esp. the pope: splendid: magnificent.—n. Pontif′ical an office-book of ecclesiastical ceremonies proper to a bishop.—adv. Pontif′ically.—n.pl. Pontif′icals the dress of a priest bishop or pope.—n. Pontif′icate the dignity of a pontiff or high-priest: the office and dignity or reign of a pope.—v.i. to perform the duties of a pontiff.—n. Pon′tifice (Milt.) bridge-work a bridge.—Pontifical mass mass celebrated by a bishop while wearing his full vestments.

Typed by Eugenia