pontiff

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the pope, especially when referred to formally

   The pontiff addressed the crowd from a balcony overlooking the square.

2. 2
   noun

   historically, a high-ranking bishop or a priest of ancient Rome

   The Roman pontiff supervised important public rites.

Simplified etymology

Pontiff entered English in the late 16th century through French pontife from Latin pontifex, literally “bridge-maker.” In ancient Rome, pontifex was the title of a member of the principal college of priests; in English, pontiff came to refer especially to the pope.

From Middle English pontif, through Old French, from Latin pontifex, the title of a member of Rome's principal college of priests. Christians later applied the title to bishops and especially to the bishop of Rome, producing the modern formal synonym for pope.

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