Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - pope

 I. biographical name Alexander 1688-1744 English poet  • Popian also ~an adjective  II. biographical name John 1822-1892 American general POPE  noun  Etymology: Middle English, from Old English papa, from Late Latin papa, from Greek pappas, papas, title of bishops, literally, papa  Date: before 12th century  1. often capitalized a prelate who as bishop of Rome is the head of the Roman Catholic Church  2. one that resembles a ~ (as in authority)  3.  a. the Eastern Orthodox or Coptic patriarch of Alexandria  b. a priest of an Eastern church