[pon.tif.i.cate] n [ME, fr. L pontificatus, fr. pontific-, pontifex] (15c): the state, office, or term of office of a pontiff
[2]pon.tif.i.cate vi -cat.ed ; -cat.ing [ML pontificatus, pp. of pontificare, fr. L pontific-, pontifex] (1818) 1 a: to officiate as a pontiff b: to celebrate pontifical mass
2: to speak or express opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way -- pon.tif.i.ca.tion n -- pon.tif.i.ca.tor n