noun
papacy
PAY-puh-see
noun
1
The office and authority of the pope.
"He was elected to the papacy after a lengthy conclave."
2
The period during which a particular pope holds office.
"Several major reforms took place during his papacy."
How to Use Papacy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe role of the pope, or the span of time a specific pope serves.
Word Forms
papacies plural
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He was elected to the _____ after a lengthy conclave.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin pāpātia, from Latin pāpa ("pope") + the suffix -tia.