Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[L.

pontificatus

: cf. F.

pontificat

. See

The state or dignity of a high priest; specifically, the office of the pope.

Addison.

The term of office of a pontiff.

Milman.

Verb.

(R. C. Ch.)

To perform the duty of a pontiff.

Noun.

[L. pontificatus.] The state or dignity of a high priest; particularly, the office or dignity of the pope.

He turned hermit in the view of being advanced to the pontificate.

The reign of a pope.

Painting, sculpture and architecture may all recover themselves under the present pontificate.