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