pontĭfĭcātus, ūs, m. [pontifex], the office or dignity of a pontifex, the pontificate, Cic. Har. Resp. 9, 18; Vell. 2, 59, 3; Tac. H. 1, 77; Suet. Calig. 12: pontificatus maximus. the office of a Pontifex Maximus, id. Caes. 13; 46; id. Aug. 31; id. Vitell. 11; id. Tit. 9.