I. ˈprīˌmāt, -_mə̇t, usu -d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English primat, from Old French, from Medieval Latin primat-, primas archbishop, from Late Latin, archbishop, head, leader, from Latin, one of the first, leader, from primus first — more at prime
1. often capitalized : a bishop who has precedence in a province, group of provinces, or a nation
2. archaic : one who is first in authority or rank : leader
the prince … is the primate and pearl of nobility — Richard Mulcaster
3. : a mammal of the order Primates
II. adjective
: principal
another bid for recognition as the world's primate city — Focus