primacy

[prahy-muh-see]

noun

plural

primacies 

1. the state of being first in order, rank, importance, etc.

2. Also called primateship. English Ecclesiastics.,  the office, rank, or dignity of a primate.

3. Roman Catholic Church.,  the jurisdiction of a bishop, as a patriarch, over other bishoprics, or the supreme jurisdiction of the pope as supreme bishop.

primacy

/ ˈpraɪməsɪ /

noun

1. the state of being first in rank, grade, etc

2. Christianity the office, rank, or jurisdiction of a primate or senior bishop or (in the Roman Catholic Church) the pope

Word History and Origins

Origin of primacy¹

1350–1400; Middle English primacie < Medieval Latin prīmātia, alteration of Latin prīmātus ( prīm ( us ) prime + -ātus -ate ³ ); -y ³

Example Sentences

Slovak legal scholars say a constitutional amendment enshrining the primacy of the Slovak constitution over EU law is a direct challenge to the European Union, and will lead to legal battles and potential sanctions.

From BBC

Christian nationalism, which is rejected by mainline Christians, holds that the United States was founded as a Christian nation and that the faith should have primacy in government and law.

From Los Angeles Times

However, he reminded his colleagues the Bill had already been passed by MPs and the House of Lords should "respect the primacy of the Commons", instead of trying to block the plans.

From BBC

She said: "The police have operational primacy over these matters. Any investigation will unfold rapidly and I was not in possession of all the facts at that time."

From BBC

But the series of urban housing policies it implemented led to the primacy of the apartment, and in doing so, transformed South Korean notions of housing over the course of a single generation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• domination