a. [ Cf. L. pontificius. ] 1. Relating to, or consisting of, pontiffs or priests. “The pontific college with their augurs and flamens.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Of or pertaining to the pope; papal. Shenstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. ] 1. A book containing the offices, or formulas, used by a pontiff. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. pl. The dress and ornaments of a pontiff. “Dressed in full pontificals.” Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Of or pertaining to the building of bridges. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Now had they brought the work by wondrous art
Pontifical, a ridge of pendent rock
Over the vexed abyss. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The state and government of the pope; the papacy. [ R. ] Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a pontifical manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. pontificatus: cf. F. pontificat. See Pontiff. ] 1. The state or dignity of a high priest; specifically, the office of the pope. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The term of office of a pontiff. Milman. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. (R. C. Ch.) To perform the duty of a pontiff. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. pons, pontis, a bridge + facere to make. Cf. Pontiff. ] Bridgework; structure or edifice of a bridge. [ R. ] Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. pontificius. ] Papal; pontifical. [ Obs. ] “Pontificial writers.” Burton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who adheres to the pope or papacy; a papist. [ Obs. ] Bp. Montagu. [ 1913 Webster ]