Prin`ci*pal"i*ty (?), n.; pl. Principalities (#). [L. principalitas preeminence, excellence: cf. F. principalit'e, principaut'e. See Principal.]

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.

 

© Webster 1913.

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