principality

[ prin-suh-pal-i-tee ]
/ ˌprɪn səˈpæl ɪ ti /

noun, plural prin·ci·pal·i·ties.

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

Origin of principality

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

Words nearby principality

principal point, principal quantum number, principal rafter, principal value, principalities, principality, principally, principate, principium, principle, principle of complementarity

Words related to principalities

sector, city, square, neighborhood, zone, locality, section, county, field, state, territory, township, tribe, democracy, people, union, community, society, public, population

Example sentences from the Web for principalities

British Dictionary definitions for principalities (1 of 2)

principalities
/ (ˌprɪnsɪˈpælɪtɪz) /

pl n

(often capital) the seventh of the nine orders into which the angels are divided in medieval angelology Also called: princedoms

British Dictionary definitions for principalities (2 of 2)

principality
/ (ˌprɪnsɪˈpælɪtɪ) /

noun plural -ties

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

Word Origin for principality

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