Definitions

1. noun

a former title of the high priest of Jupiter at Rome, and later of the chief priest of the Roman state religion

“The Roman pontifex was a powerful figure in ancient Roman society.”

2. noun

a title borne by the supreme pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church

“The Pope is often referred to as the pontifex maximus.”

3. noun

one who has a pontifical office or authority

“The bishop served as a pontifex in his local community.”