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

Example sentences from the Web for principality

British Dictionary definitions for principality

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