The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Vatican \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.
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   Note: The word is often used to indicate the papal authority.
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   Thunders of the Vatican, the anathemas, or denunciations,
      of the pope.
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