 | WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
| WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
Pontiff
Pronunciation : Pon"tiff
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. pontife, L. pontifex, -ficis; pons, pontis, a bridge (perhaps originally, a way, path) + facere to make. Cf. Pontoon.]
Definition : Defn: 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
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