Definition of papacy
papacies
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
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Examples of papacy in a sentence
He was selected by the cardinals for the papacy.
Origin and Etymology 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
PAPACY Defined for English Language Learners
papacy
playDefinition of papacy for English Language Learners
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the papacy : the office or position of the pope
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: the time when a particular pope is in power
Learn More about papacy
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about papacy
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