pontiff Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the head of the Roman Catholic Church
    Roman Catholic Pope; pope; Catholic Pope; Vicar of Christ; Holy Father; Bishop of Rome.

WordNet

Pon"tiff noun
Etymology
F. pontife, L. pontifex, -ficis; pons, pontis, a bridge (perhaps originally, a way, path) + facere to make. Cf. Pontoon.
Definitions
  1. 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