popedom

American  

[pohp-duhm] / ˈpoʊp dəm /

noun

1. the office or dignity of a pope.

2. the tenure of office of a pope.

3. the papal government.

---

popedom British  

/ ˈpəʊpdəm /

noun

1. the office or dignity of a pope

2. the tenure of office of a pope

3. the dominion of a pope; papal government

---

Etymology

Origin of popedom

before 1150; Middle English pape dom; Old English pāpdōm. See pope, -dom

Example Sentences

An American so intrepid as to make himself eligible for both offices would be unlikely to “give up his popedom for our presidency.”

From Slate • May 9, 2025

During his popedom he kept a brazen head, which he regularly consulted concerning diabolical subjects.

From The Mysteries of All Nations Rise and Progress of Superstition, Laws Against and Trials of Witches, Ancient and Modern Delusions Together With Strange Customs, Fables, and Tales by Grant, James, archaeologist

Any other reader may find allusions to the supremacy of the popedom over these early Christian communities, if he can.

From The Book-Hunter A New Edition, with a Memoir of the Author by Burton, John Hill

His most remarkable appearance as a political peace-maker was in the dispute which took place after the death of Pope Honorius II., as to the succession to the popedom.

From Great Men and Famous Women. Vol. 5 A series of pen and pencil sketches of the lives of more than 200 of the most prominent personages in History by Horne, Charles F. (Charles Francis)

He even aspired to the popedom; but this greatest of all human dignities, he was not permitted to obtain.

From A Modern History, From the Time of Luther to the Fall of Napoleon For the Use of Schools and Colleges by Lord, John

Related Words

• pontiff