papacy

n. [ LL. papatia, fr. L. papa a father, bishop. See Pope. ] 1. The office and dignity of the pope, or pontiff, of Rome; papal jurisdiction. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The popes, collectively; the succession of popes. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The Roman Catholic religion; -- commonly used by the opponents of the Roman Catholics in disparagement or in an opprobrious sense. [ 1913 Webster ]