Some 16th-century Italian clergymen tried to ban coffee because they believed it to be “satanic.” However, Pope Clement VII loved coffee so much that he lifted the ban and had coffee baptized in 1600.
papacy, pontificate
(noun) the government of the Roman Catholic Church
pontificate
(verb) talk in a dogmatic and pompous manner; “The new professor always pontificates”
pontificate
(verb) administer a pontifical office
Source: WordNet® 3.1
pontificate (plural pontificates)
The status or term of office of a pontiff or pontifex.
pontificate (third-person singular simple present pontificates, present participle pontificating, simple past and past participle pontificated)
(intransitive) To preside as a bishop, especially at mass.
(intransitive) To act like a pontiff; to express one's position or opinions dogmatically and pompously as if they were absolutely correct.
(intransitive) To speak in a patronizing, supercilious or pompous manner, especially at length.
Source: Wiktionary
Pon*tif"i*cate, n. Etym: [L. pontificatus: cf. F. pontificat. See Pontiff.]
1. The state or dignity of a high priest; specifically, the office of the pope. Addison.
2. The term of office of a pontiff. Milman.
Pon*tif"i*cate, v. i. (R. C. Ch.)
Definition: To perform the duty of a pontiff.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
9 June 2025
(noun) one having both male and female sexual characteristics and organs; at birth an unambiguous assignment of male or female cannot be made
Some 16th-century Italian clergymen tried to ban coffee because they believed it to be “satanic.” However, Pope Clement VII loved coffee so much that he lifted the ban and had coffee baptized in 1600.