Entry 3 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Pontificate

/pän-tĭf'-ək-ātˌ/ · Pon·tif·i·cate · IPA /pɔnˈtɪf.ə.kət/

01 n. The state or dignity of a high priest; specifically, the office of the pope.

1.
The state or dignity of a high priest; specifically, the office of the pope.
2.
The term of office of a pontiff.

02 v. i. To perform the duty of a pontiff.

1.
To perform the duty of a pontiff.(R. C. Ch.)