principality

From Wiktionary

Pronunciation[change]

Noun[change]

Singular
principality

Plural
principalities

  1. (old, no longer used) A principality is the process of being a ruler, prince, or other person of power.
  2. A principality is an area that is ruled by a prince or princess.
    Wales was a principality ruled by the son of the English King until it joined England in 1542.
  3. A principality is the state of being principal; pre-eminence.

Usage notes[change]

The "prince" or "princess" is not always literal. Principality sometimes means a small country that has its own local leadership but is part of a larger country.

See also[change]