Principality

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /pɹɪnsᵻˈpaláµ»ti/

Origin

From Anglo-Norman principalté, Middle French principalté, from Late Latin principalitas, from Latin principālis ("principal") + -tas.

Full definition of principality

Noun

1. (obsolete) The state of being a prince or ruler; sovereignty, absolute authority. 14th-19th c.
2. (now rare) The state of being principal; pre-eminence. from 14th c.
3. A region or sovereign nation headed by a prince or princess. from 14th c.
• 1990, Peter Hopkirk, The Great Game, Folio Society 2010, p. 14:At this time Russia consisted of a dozen or so principalities, which were frequently at war with one another.
4. (theology) A spiritual being, specifically in Christian angelology, the fifth level of angels, ranked above powers and below dominions. from 16th c.