principality Meaning, Definition & Usage

Prin`ci*pal"i*ty noun

Etymology

L. principalitas preëminence, excellence: cf. F. principalité, principauté. See Principal.

Wordforms

plural Principalities

Definitions

1. Sovereignty; supreme power; hence, superiority; predominance; high, or the highest, station. Sir P. Sidney.

   Your principalities shall come down, even the crown of your glory. Jer. xiii. 18.

   The prerogative and principality above everything else. Jer. Taylor.

2. A prince; one invested with sovereignty. "Next upstood Nisroch, of principalities the prime." Milton.
3. The territory or jurisdiction of a prince; or the country which gives title to a prince; as, the principality of Wales.