principate

noun

prin·​ci·​pate

ˈprin(t)səˌpāt,

-səpə̇t

plural -s

1

: princely power : supreme rule

2

obsolete

a

: principality sense 4b

b

: a principal person : prince

3

: principality sense 3

4

: the power or term of a Roman princeps

Word History

Etymology

Middle English principat, from Latin principatus, from princip-, princeps first person, prince + -atus -ate

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