| 释义 |
prin·ci·pal·i·ty
\ˌprin(t)səˈpaləd.ē, -lətē, -i\ noun
(-es)
Etymology: Middle English principalite, from Middle French, from Late Latin principalitat-, principalitas preeminence, excellence, from Latin principalis first, principal + -itat-, -itas -ity
1. : the quality or state of being principal : supreme station or power : headship, preeminence
< your principalities shall come down, even the crown of your glory — Jer 13: 18 (Authorized Version) >
2.
a. : the state, office, or authority of a prince : princely dominion : sovereignty
b. : the position or responsibilities of a principal (as of a school)
3. : the territory or jurisdiction of a prince : the country that gives title to a prince
< the principality of Wales >
often : a minor semi-independent state under the rule of a prince
< the principality of Monaco >
— compare kingdom 2
4. [translation of Late Latin principatus, translation of Greek archē]
a. : a good or evil spiritual being of a high order
< for I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities… will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord — Rom 8:38 (Revised Standard Version) >
b. : one of the nine orders of angels in medieval angelology |