antipope

[ an-ti-pohp ]

noun

1. a person who is elected or claims to be pope in opposition to another held to be canonically chosen.

antipope

/ ˈæntɪˌpəʊp /

noun

1. a rival pope elected in opposition to one who has been canonically chosen

Word History and Origins

Origin of antipope¹

1570–80; anti- + pope; replacing antipape < Medieval Latin antipāpa, modeled on Antichrīstus Antichrist

Example Sentences

This pope was held to be an antipope; nevertheless, La Gasque was regarded as a prophetess.

From Project Gutenberg

There are ruins of the castle constructed in the 9th or 10th century, in which the antipope Anacletus II.

From Project Gutenberg

He had fought for the antipope, and was the first to enter Rome when captured by the army of Henry.

From Project Gutenberg

The antipope, at the instance of France, ended by abdicating (7th April 1449).

From Project Gutenberg

Antipope: an opposition pope, of which there have been several examples in history; they were usurpers of the popedom.

From Project Gutenberg