[prince] n [ME, fr. OF, fr. L princip-, princeps leader, initiator, fr. primus first + capere to take--more at heave] (13c) 1 a: monarch, king b: the ruler of a principality or state
2: a male member of a royal family; esp: a son of the sovereign
3: a nobleman of varying rank and status
4: one likened to a prince; esp: a man of high rank or of high standing in his class or profession -- prince.ship n