Pon-tif'ie-ate, n.

n. [Lat. pontificatus, It. pontificato, Sp. & Pg. pontificado, Pr. & Fr. pontificat. See PONTIFF.]

1. The state or dignity of a high priest.
2. Specifically, the office or dignity of the pope.

He turned hermit in the view of being advanced to the pontificate. Addison. 3. The reign of a pope. Painting, sculpture, and architecture may all recover themselves under the present pontificate. Addison.