pontifex

[ pon-tuh-feks ]

noun

, Roman Religion.

, plural pon·tif·i·ces [pon-, tif, -, uh, -seez].

1. a member of the Pontifical College, which was presided over by a chief priest Pontifex Maximus.

pontifex

/ ˈpɒntɪˌfɛks /

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) any of the senior members of the Pontifical College, presided over by the Pontifex Maximus

Word History and Origins

Origin of pontifex¹

1570–80; < Latin: apparently literally, path-maker, equivalent to ponti- (stem of pōns ) bridge, probably originally, path ( pons ) + -fec- (combining form of facere to make) + -s nominative singular ending; the literal application is unclear

Word History and Origins

Origin of pontifex¹

C16: from Latin, perhaps from Etruscan but influenced by folk etymology as if meaning literally: bridge-maker, from pons bridge + -fex from facere to make

Example Sentences

But Bibi didn't come to the “eternal city” just to preach to the pontifex about the persecution of Jews in Medieval Spain.

From The Daily Beast

The Vestal virgins received especial honor, and were appointed by the Pontifex Maximus.

From Project Gutenberg

The highest religious officer of the state, the pontifex maximus, was from this time on elected by the Pontifical College.

From Project Gutenberg

Upon one an inscription was placed which tersely expressed the true state of the case: "Pontifex Colinii necem probat."

From Project Gutenberg

On the Pope has descended the name of their superior as ‘Pontifex Maximus.’

From Project Gutenberg

Pontifex, ut cteri Christiani principes, ipsos pro viribus juvent.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• pope