Pŏn′/tiff, n.

n. [Fr. pontife, Sp. pontifice, It. pontefice, Lat. pontifex, pontificis, said to be from pons, a bridge, and facere, to make, because the first bridge over the Tiber was constructed and consecrated by the high priest.] 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. W. Smith. (b.) (Jewish Antiq.) The chief priest. (c.) (Rom. Cath. Church.) The pope.