papacy

Tweet

noun pa·pa·cy \ˈpā-pə-sē\

the papacy : the office or position of the pope

: the time when a particular pope is in power

plural pa·pa·cies

Full Definition of PAPACY

1

:  the office of pope

2

:  a succession or line of popes

3

:  the term of a pope's reign

4

capitalized :  the system of government of the Roman Catholic Church of which the pope is the supreme head

Quick read: 10 gorgeous winter quotes »

Examples of PAPACY

1. He was selected by the cardinals for the papacy.

Origin of PAPACY

Middle English papacie, from Medieval Latin papatia, from Late Latin papa pope — more at pope

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Christian Religious Terms

Pentateuch, blasphemy, curate, doxology, eremite, iconoclasm, liturgy, orison, pneuma, reliquary