regality

American  

[ri-gal-i-tee] / rɪˈgæl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

regalities

1. royalty, sovereignty, or kingship.

2. a right or privilege pertaining to a sovereign.

3. a kingdom.

4. (in Scotland)

   1. territorial jurisdiction of a royal nature formerly conferred by the sovereign.

   2. a territory subject to such jurisdiction.

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regality British  

/ riːˈɡælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or condition of being royal; kingship or queenship; royalty

2. the rights or privileges of royalty

3. history

   1. jurisdiction conferred by the sovereign on a powerful subject

   2. a territory under such jurisdiction

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Etymology

Origin of regality

1375–1425; late Middle English regalite < Middle French < Medieval Latin rēgālitās. See regal ¹, -ity

Explanation

The word regality is used for the state of being a monarch — or resembling one. The regality of your queenly cat, calmly looking down on the chaos of your new puppy, is indisputable. Long ago, it was common to use the word regality to describe the position of being a queen or king: "Elizabeth II entered the regality in 1952." These days, it's more commonly used in a figurative way, for things or people that resemble royalty. If you're staying at a magnificent castle for the weekend, you might walk in and observe, "Wow, this place is full of regality!"

Example Sentences

Best of all are the new brass arrangements of early Unthanks favourites, from the bitter lament Blue Bleezing Blind Drunk to the exquisite Fareweel Regality.

From The Guardian • Jul. 26, 2012

In “Such is Life” it is Regality and Kingship.

From The Awakening of Spring A Tragedy of Childhood by Wedekind, Frank

The building adjoining the tower to the east was called the Regality Court-house, and had a groined ceiling.

From Scottish Cathedrals and Abbeys by Butler, Dugald

His Grace, till the other day, as it might be, was Justice-General of the shire, Sheriff of the same, Regality Lord, with rights of pit and gallows.

From Doom Castle by Munro, Neil