Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PON-TIF'IC-ATE, n. [L. pontificatus.]

1. The state or dignity of a high priest; particularly, the office or dignity of the pope. He turned hermit in the view of being advanced to the pontificate. – Addison.
2. The reign of a pope. Painting, sculpture and architecture may all recover themselves under the present pontificate. – Addison.