pontifex Hear it!

pontifex Definition

pon·ti·fex (pänt′i feks′)

noun pl. pontifices pon·tif′i·ces′ (pän tif′i sēz′)

in ancient Rome, a member of the supreme college of priests (Pontifical College)

Etymology: L: see pontiff

pontifex Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • maximus: Assuming the highest priestly office of pontifex maximus the emperor himself became a divine being in Roman imperial religion.