Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Pontiff \Pon"tiff\, n. [F. pontife, L. pontifex, -ficis; pons,
   pontis, a bridge (perhaps originally, a way, path) + facere
   to make. Cf. {Pontoon}.]
   A high priest. Especially:
   (a) One of the sacred college, in ancient Rome, which had the
       supreme jurisdiction over all matters of religion, at the
       head of which was the Pontifex Maximus. --Dr. W. Smith.
   (b) (Jewish Antiq.) The chief priest.
   (c) (R. C. Ch.) The pope.

Source : WordNet®

Pontiff
     n : the head of the Roman Catholic Church [syn: {Pope}, {Catholic
         Pope}, {Roman Catholic Pope}, {Holy Father}, {Vicar of
         Christ}, {Bishop of Rome}]