First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
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
1
: the office of pope
2
: a succession or line of popes
3
: the term of a pope's reign
4
capitalized : the system of government of the Roman Catholic Church of which the pope is the supreme head
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Origin of PAPACY
Middle English papacie, from Medieval Latin papatia, from Late Latin papa pope — more at pope
Other Christian Religious Terms
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