Pon"tiff (?), 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.
© Webster 1913. | 
