— kingliness , n.
/king"lee/ , adj., kinglier, kingliest , adv.
adj.
1. stately or splendid, as resembling, suggesting, or befitting a king; regal: He strode into the room with a kingly air.
2. pertaining or proper to a king: kingly power.
3. having the rank of king.
4. consisting of kings or others of royal rank: kingly personages.
adv.
5. in the manner of a king; regally.
[ 1350-1400; ME; see KING, -LY ]
Syn. 1, 2. princely, sovereign, majestic, august, magnificent, exalted, grand. KINGLY, REGAL, ROYAL refer to that which is closely associated with a king, or is suitable for one. What is KINGLY may either belong to a king, or be befitting, worthy of, or like a king: a kingly presence, appearance, graciousness. REGAL is esp. applied to the office of kingship or the outward manifestations of grandeur and majesty: regal authority, bearing, splendor, munificence. ROYAL is applied esp. to what pertains to or is associated with the person of a monarch: the royal family, word, robes, salute; a royal residence.
Ant. 1, 2. lowly.