ponti

‖n.; pl. Pontifices [ L. ] A high priest; a pontiff. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. L. pontificius. ] 1. Relating to, or consisting of, pontiffs or priests. “The pontific college with their augurs and flamens.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Of or pertaining to the pope; papal. Shenstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. pontificalis: cf. F. pontifical. See Pontiff. ] 1. Of or pertaining to a pontiff, or high priest; as, pontifical authority; hence, belonging to the pope; papal. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Of or pertaining to the building of bridges. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Now had they brought the work by wondrous art
Pontifical, a ridge of pendent rock
Over the vexed abyss. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. ] 1. A book containing the offices, or formulas, used by a pontiff. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. pl. The dress and ornaments of a pontiff. “Dressed in full pontificals.” Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The state and government of the pope; the papacy. [ R. ] Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a pontifical manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. (R. C. Ch.) To perform the duty of a pontiff. [ 1913 Webster ]