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principality

 - 3 dictionary results

prin⋅ci⋅pal⋅i⋅ty

  [prin-suh-pal-i-tee]
Use principality in a Sentence
–noun, plural -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.
a. an order of angels. Compare angel (def. 1).
b. supramundane powers often in conflict with God. Ephes. 6:12.
6. Obsolete. preeminence.
Origin:
1300–50; ME principalite < OF < LL prīncipālitās first place, superiority (ML: authority or territory of a prince). See principal, -ity
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To principality
prin·ci·pal·i·ty   (prĭn'sə-pāl'ĭ-tē)   
n.   pl. prin·ci·pal·i·ties

  1. A territory ruled by a prince or princess or from which such a title is derived.

  2. The position, authority, or jurisdiction of a prince or princess; sovereignty.

  3. principalities Christianity The seventh of the nine orders of angels in medieval angelology. Also called princedoms.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

principality 
c.1300, "position of a prince," from O.Fr. principalite (Fr. principauté), from L.L. principalitatem (nom. principalitas), from principalis (see principal). Meaning "region or state ruled by a prince" is attested from c.1400.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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