PONTIFF

pope, Catholic Pope, Roman Catholic Pope, pontiff, Holy Father, Vicar of Christ, Bishop of Rome

(noun) the head of the Roman Catholic Church

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

pontiff (plural pontiffs)

A bishop of the early Church; now specifically, the Pope. [from 16th c.]

(figuratively) Any chief figure or leader of a religion. [from 16th c.]

(historical) A pontifex. [from 17th c.]

Source: Wiktionary

Pon"tiff, n. Etym: [F. pontife, L. pontifex, -ficis; pons, pontis, a bridge (perhaps originally, a way, path) + facere to make. Cf. Pontoon.]

Definition: 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 Edition