n. /pon tif"i kit, -kayt'/ ; v. /pon tif"i kayt'/ , n. , v. , pontificated, pontificating .
n.
1. the office or term of office of a pontiff.
v.i.
2. to perform the office or duties of a pontiff.
3. to speak in a pompous or dogmatic manner: Did he pontificate about the responsibilities of a good citizen?
4. to serve as a bishop, esp. in a Pontifical Mass.
[ 1575-85; (n.) pontificatus; see PONTIFICAL, -ATE 3 ; (v.) pontificatus ptp. of pontificare to be an ecclesiastic; see -ATE 1 ]