papacy

noun pa·pa·cy \ˈpā-pə-sē\

the papacy : the office or position of the pope

: the time when a particular pope is in power

plural pa·pa·cies

Full Definition of PAPACY

: the office of pope

: a succession or line of popes

: the term of a pope's reign

capitalized : the system of government of the Roman Catholic Church of which the pope is the supreme head

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Middle English papacie, from Medieval Latin papatia, from Late Latin papa pope — more at pope

First Known Use: 14th century

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