pontific

[ pon-tif-ik ]

adjective

, Archaic.

1. pontifical.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pontific¹

First recorded in 1635–45; pontiff + -ic

Example Sentences

Omar Coronel, a sociology professor at Peru’s Pontific Catholic University, said while the corruption accusations and criticism of Castillo’s lack of experience have merit, they were tinged with racism, “a constant in any Peruvian equation.”

From Washington Times

Then in the long unamaze Quentin seemed to watch them overrun suddenly the hundred square miles of tranquil and astonished earth and drag house and formal gardens violently out of the soundless Nothing and clap them down like cards upon a table beneath the up-palm immobile and pontific, creating the Sutpen’s Hundred, the Be Sutpen’s Hundred like the oldentime Be Light.

From Literature

If the teacher assumes the manner pontific and speaks ex cathedra, and has the air of one who says the ultimate word, he will smother every question.

From Project Gutenberg

With pontific gesture but light-hearted approach, he used blackboard drawings to discuss philosophy, referred to the Virgin Mary as "Our Lady of Television," earned high ratings even opposite Lucy and You Bet Your Life.

From Time Magazine Archive

She hath struck Her curse out with pontific finger at me, Cursed me down and away to the bottomless pit.

From Project Gutenberg