Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Pontificate \Pon*tif"i*cate\, n. [L. pontificatus: cf. F.
   pontificat. See {Pontiff}.]
   1. The state or dignity of a high priest; specifically, the
      office of the pope. --Addison.

   2. The term of office of a pontiff. --Milman.

Pontificate \Pon*tif"i*cate\, v. i. (R. C. Ch.)
   To perform the duty of a pontiff.

Source : WordNet®

pontificate
     n : the government of the Roman Catholic Church [syn: {papacy}]
     v 1: administer a pontifical office
     2: talk in a dogmatic and pompous manner; "The new professor
        always pontificates"