office

Pontifex

pontifex

also: pontiff, priest

A member of the chief college of Roman priests, charged with public rites and dedications. Ritual purity barred the pontifex's eyes from contact with death.

Reading notes

Consolation to Marcia §13 pontifex
A member of Rome's chief college of priests; ritual purity barred the pontifex's eyes from contact with death.
On Mercy §1.10 pontifex maximus
The chief priesthood of the Roman state religion, held for life; Augustus waited for Lepidus to die before assuming it.
On Anger §3.31 the college
A priestly college (e.g. the pontiffs or augurs), membership of which conferred standing; seats were filled by co-optation.