Pontifex maximus pointed out that the term existed before there were any bridges in Rome and derived the word from Old Latin "pontis" (sic) meaning a powerful or absolute master, while others derived it from "potis facere" in the sense of "able to sacrifice". The last derivation is mentioned also by Varro, who rejected it, but it was the view of Pontifex Maximus Quintus Scaevola. Others have held that the word was originally "pompifex" (leader of public processions). The word "pons" originally meant "way" and "pontifex" would thus mean "maker of roads and bridges". Another opinion is that the word is a
Latin obscenity be related to the marriage deity Mutunus Tutunus. Although "mūtō" itself is rare, the derivative "mūtūniātus" ("well-endowed") is found twice in Martial, as at 3.73: The derivative "mūtōnium" is found in Lucilius and in two Pompeian graffiti. The Latin word "pēnis" itself originally meant "tail". Cicero's "ad Familiārēs", 9.22, observes that "pēnis" originally was an innocuous word, but that the meaning of male sexual organ had become primary by his day. The euphemism is used occasionally by Catullus, Persius, Juvenal, and Martial, and even once by the historian Sallust, who writes that the supporters of the anti-government rebel Catiline included