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Definition of papacy

papacy

/ˈpeɪ.pə.si/
pa · pa · cy
Adverb:papally
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Plural:papacies
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Adjective:papal
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papacy Lexical Profile

papacy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The office, dignity, or jurisdiction of the pope as the supreme head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Example

"Historians have written extensively about how the power of the papacy evolved throughout the Middle Ages."

2

The period of time during which a particular pope holds office.

Example

"Significant diplomatic reforms were introduced within the Vatican during his twenty-year papacy."

3

The system of central ecclesiastical government of the Roman Catholic Church, headed by the pope.

Example

"The treaty was negotiated directly between the French monarchy and the papacy."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for papacy

• Nearby Words

panzer
pap
papa
papacy
papad
papal
paparazzi

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Medieval Latin papatia, derived from Late Latin papa ('bishop' or 'pope'), which ultimately comes from Ancient Greek pappas ('father').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Papacy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/papacy
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