■ verb pɒn'tɪfɪkeɪt
1》 (in the Roman Catholic Church) officiate as bishop, especially at Mass.
2》 express one's opinions in a pompous and dogmatic way.
■ noun pɒn'tɪfɪkət (in the Roman Catholic Church) the office or term of office of pope or bishop.
Derivatives
pontificator noun
Origin
ME: from L. pontificatus , from pontifex (see pontifex ).