principate

American  

[prin-suh-peyt] / ˈprɪn səˌpeɪt /

noun

1. supreme power or office.

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principate British  

/ ˈprɪnsɪˌpeɪt /

noun

1. a state ruled by a prince

2. a form of rule in the early Roman Empire in which some republican forms survived

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Etymology

Origin of principate

1300–50; Middle English < Latin prīncipātus, equivalent to prīncip- ( prince ) + -ātus -ate ³

Example Sentences

Thus the flaws of the principate continued to haunt the Roman state long after its founder was gone.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

He set up a system of government, the principate, in which the traditions of republican government legitimized his position as de facto emperor.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

Perhaps the most important thing Augustus did besides establishing the principate itself was to reorganize the Roman legions.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2020

Nicole Kidman introduced scenes from her forthcoming biopic Grace of Monaco, in which the actor-princess struggles to adapt to her role as European royalty against a backdrop of diplomatic tension between the principate and France.

From The Guardian • May 17, 2013

Thus, although a purely civil career was established, which led ultimately to the highest prefectures, nevertheless, during the principate the civil administrative offices were never completely separated from the traditional preliminary military service.

From A History of Rome to 565 A. D. by Boak, Arthur Edward Romilly