PONTIFEX
Pon"ti*fex, n.; pl. Pontifices. Etym: [L.]
Defn: A high priest; a pontiff.
PONTIFF
Pon"tiff, n. Etym: [F. pontife, L. pontifex, -ficis; pons, pontis, a
bridge (perhaps originally, a way, path) + facere to make. Cf.
Pontoon.]
Defn: A high priest. Especially: (a) One of the sacred college, in ancient Rome, which had the supreme jurisdiction over all matters of religion, at the head of which was the Pontifex Maximus. Dr. W. Smith. (b) (Jewish Antiq.) The chief priest. (c) (R. C. Ch.) The pope.
PONTIFIC
Pon*tif"ic, a. Etym: [Cf. L. pontificius.]
1. Relating to, or consisting of, pontiffs or priests. "The pontific college with their augurs and flamens." Milton.
2. Of or pertaining to the pope; papal. Shenstone.
PONTIFICAL
Pon*tif"ic*al, a. Etym: [L. pontificalis: cf. F. pontifical. See
Pontiff.]
1. Of or pertaining to a pontiff, or high priest; as, pontifical authority; hence, belonging to the pope; papal.
2. Of or pertaining to the building of bridges. [R.] Now had they brought the work by wondrous art Pontifical, a ridge of pendent rock Over the vexed abyss. Milton.