PRINCIPALITIES Meaning and
Definition
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Principalities is a noun that refers to territories that are ruled by a prince or princess, typically being smaller than a kingdom. It can also be used to describe the position, power, or authority held by a prince or princess. The term can be traced back to the Latin word "principalitas," which means "ruling power" or "principality."
In historical contexts, principalities were often governed by a prince or princess who held a hereditary right to rule. They were usually passed down through a family lineage or obtained through marriage or conquering. Principalities were autonomous regions that had their own laws, governance systems, and administrative structures, though they might still have been part of a larger kingdom or empire.
In a political context, principalities can refer to a sovereign state that is led by a monarch, like an absolute monarchy. These states are usually characterized by having a titular ruler who possesses supreme authority and makes crucial decisions on behalf of the state. This term is particularly associated with historical European states, such as the various principalities that existed in Germany or Italy during the medieval or early modern periods.
Overall, principalities are defined as territories governed by a prince or princess, either as independent entities or as part of a larger kingdom. The term encompasses both the geographical regions and the positions of authority held by these rulers.
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In Scrip., the persons or beings in whom the dominion or power is lodged; rulers, as in the phrase "principalities and powers.".
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of PRINCIPALITIES
The word "principalities" is derived from the Latin word "principatus", which means "dominion" or "principality". It is the plural form of "principality". The Latin term itself comes from "princeps", which means "first" or "chief", and is composed of "prin-" (shortened form of "prior", meaning "first") and "ceps" (derived from "caput", meaning "head"). Therefore, "principalities" ultimately refers to territories or domains governed by a prince or ruler.
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