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 predatory activities of prostitutes. The Latin verb "prōstō" meant "to be up for sale" and "prōstituō" meant "to expose for public sale." The poet Juvenal (6.120-3) describes how the disgraced Empress Messalina used to enjoy playing the part of a prostitute in a brothel: The man in charge of the brothel, who dismissed the girls at closing time, was the pimp or "lēnō" (Juvenal 6.127). The neuter word "scortum" could refer to either a male or female prostitute. This word may relate to Latin "scorteus", "made of leather or hide", much as English refers to the "skin trade". Lewis and