Pilate, Pontius

Pilate, Pontius proper n

L. pontos, sea, or pons, bridge + L. Pilātus, cap of liberty.

  1. Pontius Pilate (died A.D. 36); governor of the Roman province of Judea; procurator who yielded to the will of the Jewish people by sentencing Jesus Christ to crucifixion (see Matthew 27).