资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Principality \Prin`ci*pal"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Principalities}. [L.
   principalitas pre["e]minence, 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.