\Vat"i*can\, n. [L. Vaticanus, mons, or collis,
Vaticanus, the Vatican hill, in Rome, on the western bank of
the Tiber: cf. F. Vatican, It. Vaticano.]
A magnificent assemblage of buildings at Rome, near the
church of St. Peter, including the pope's palace, a museum, a
library, a famous chapel, etc.
Note: The word is often used to indicate the papal authority.
{Thunders of the Vatican}, the anathemas, or denunciations,
   of the pope.