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is already well known. Uncertainty prevailing, this may be only a folk etymology, but it may also recall ancient tasks and magic rites associated with bridges. The term may also be an allusion to
Ancient Roman Religious rituals for placating the gods and spirits associated with the
247:", the insignia of his order that a bishop uses when celebrating Pontifical Mass. While the pontificals primarily belong to bishops, they have also been granted by papal favour or legally established Church custom to certain presbyters (e.g., abbots).
108:(to do, to make), and so to have the literal meaning of "bridge-builder", presumably between mankind and the deity/deities. The role of bridges in ancient religions, associated with
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bishop. The phrase "Roman pontiff" is therefore not tautological, but means "Bishop of Rome". In the same way, a
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The Oxford
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of priests in ancient Rome, the most illustrious of which was that of the
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William Smith, A Dictionary of Greek and Roman
Antiquities, article
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The word "pontiff", though now most often used in relation to a
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celebrated by a bishop, not necessarily a pope. Note also the
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Beard, Mary; North, John; Price, Simon (June 28, 1998).
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was later applied to any high or chief priest and, in
315:"Pontifex". "Oxford English Dictionary", March 2007
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30:"Pontifex" redirects here. For other uses, see
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353:"Pontiff | Dictionary.com"
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104:(bridge) +
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159:, and the
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