Papacy

Origin

Circa 14th century, from Medieval Latin papatia, from Latin papa ("pope") + -tia ("office, rank") (English -cy).

Full definition of papacy

Noun

1. The office of the pope.The papacy represents the head of the Catholic Church.
2. The period of a particular pope's reign.The papacy of John Paul II ended in 2005, after the pope's long battle with illness ended.

Related terms

• papal
• papist
• pope
• popish