primus inter pares

American  

[pree-moos in-ter pah-res, prahy-muhs in-ter pair-eez, pree-] / ˈpri mʊs ˈɪn tɛr ˈpɑ rɛs, ˈpraɪ məs ˈɪn tər ˈpɛər iz, ˈpri- /

noun

Latin.

plural

primi inter pares

1. (of males) first among equals.

---

primus inter pares British  

/ ˈpraɪməs ɪntə ˈpɑːrɪz /

1. first among equals

---

Example Sentences

Conservative Anglicans meeting in Nigeria's capital Abuja have pulled back on plans to elect a rival "primus inter pares" - the Latin term meaning "first among equals" and describing the Archbishop of Canterbury's position within the worldwide church, where Sarah Mullally is considered the ceremonial leader.

From BBC

In addition to being the most senior cleric in the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury is also "primus inter pares" - or first among equals - of the primates of the worldwide Anglican Communion, meaning she is the spiritual leader of almost 95 million Anglicans.

From BBC

The official announcement of Dame Sarah's appointment noted that her roles in her new job include being "primus inter pares – or first among equals – of the Primates of the global Anglican Communion, which consists of around 85 million people, across 165 countries".

From BBC

When the prime minister addresses the cabinet, not far away in 10 Downing Street, he is primus inter pares, first among equals, sitting among his or her ministers.

From BBC

The Old Dominion was accustomed to thinking of itself as primus inter pares in any confederation of states.

From Literature