pon·tif·i·cal·i·ty \(ˌ)pän.ˌtifəˈkaləd.ē, -ətē, -i\noun (-es) Etymology: Middle French pontificalité, from pontifical (from Latin pontificalis) + -ité -ity 1. a.: the state, office, dignity, or rule of a pontiff b. (1): pope (2): papacy 2.: extreme or exaggerated dignity : pompousness < the pontificality of a second-rate diplomat >