Pon"tiff (?), n. [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.

 

© Webster 1913.

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