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Pontificate

//pɒnˈtɪf.ɪ.kət// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun

1
The status or term of office of a pontiff or pontifex.
2
the government of the Roman Catholic Church wordnet

Verb

1
To preside as a bishop, especially at mass. intransitive
2
talk in a dogmatic and pompous manner wordnet
3
To act like a pontiff; to express one's position or opinions dogmatically and pompously as if they were absolutely correct. intransitive
4
administer a pontifical office wordnet
5
To speak in a patronizing, supercilious or pompous manner, especially at length. intransitive
"During a policy discussion awhile^([sic]) back about New York issues, when Mr. Clinton began to pontificate, she told him that he did not exactly know what he was talking about and to hush up."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Latin pontificatus, from pontifex (“high priest”), from pons (“bridge”) + facere (“make”).

Etymology 2

From the past participle stem of mediaeval Latin pontificare (“pontificate”), from Latin pontifex (“high priest”), from pons (“bridge”) + facere (“make”).

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