PONTIFICATE

pontificate. Pontificate, n. the papal dignity, popedom

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Pon‐tif″i‐cate (?), n. [[L. pontificatus: cf. F. pontificat. See Pontiff.]] 1. 1. The state or dignity of a high priest; specifically, the office of the pope. Addison.
2. 2. The term of office of a pontiff. Milman.