principality

[ prin-suh-pal-i-tee ]

noun

, plural prin·ci·pal·i·ties.

1. a state ruled by a prince, usually a relatively small state or a state that falls within a larger state such as an empire.
2. the position or authority of a prince or chief ruler; sovereignty; supreme power.
3. the rule of a prince of a small or subordinate state.
4. the Principality, British. Wales.
5. principalities, Theology.
   1. an order of angels. Compare angel ( def 1 ).
   2. supramundane powers often in conflict with God. Ephesians 6:12.
6. Obsolete. preeminence.

principality

/ ˌprɪnsɪˈpælɪtɪ /

noun

1. 1. a territory ruled by a prince
   2. a territory from which a prince draws his title
2. the dignity or authority of a prince

Word History and Origins

Origin of principality¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English principalite, from Old French, from Late Latin prīncipālitās “first place, superiority” ( Medieval Latin: “authority or territory of a prince”). See principal, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of principality¹

C14 (in the sense: pre-eminence): via Old French from Latin principālis principal

Example Sentences

Just look at Monaco, the uber-wealthy principality where residents live on average to nearly 90 years old.

From Ozy

Cannons were fired in the heart of the tiny principality, which is no bigger than Central Park, to celebrate the news.

From The Daily Beast

In 1967 the Principality of Sealand was declared on a military sea fort floating in what was then international waters.

From The Daily Beast

On Sept. 2, 1967, full independence was declared and the Principality of Sealand was born.

From The Daily Beast

The night before Halloween, the Redmond-based company descended on the 62-square-mile central European principality.

From The Daily Beast

What happens when an American multinational turns a tiny European principality into a fake war zone?

From The Daily Beast

I went out, and found a Mont de Piet, just beyond the limits of the Principality; they aren't allowed inside.

From Project Gutenberg

The Latin principality was extinguished, and the whole existence of the Franks was now confined to the city of Ptolemais.

From Project Gutenberg

This great man even refused the offer of a principality made to him by Leo X.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, at the beginning of the eleventh century, the Bishop of the Principality was already possessed of extraordinary power.

From Project Gutenberg

Two of his ancestors had been Bishops of Lige, and the family was one of the greatest in the Principality.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• city
• county
• field
• locality
• neighborhood
• section
• sector
• square
• state
• territory
• township
• zone