/prin'seuh pal"i tee/ , n. , pl. principalities .
1. a state ruled by a prince, usually a relatively small state or a state that falls within a larger state such as an empire.
2. the position or authority of a prince or chief ruler; sovereignty; supreme power.
3. the rule of a prince of a small or subordinate state.
4. the Principality , Brit. Wales.
5. principalities , Theol.
a. an order of angels. Cf. angel (def. 1).
b. supramundane powers often in conflict with God. Ephes. 6:12.
6. Obs. preeminence.
[ 1300-50; ME principalite principalitas first place, superiority (ML: authority or territory of a prince). See PRINCIPAL, -ITY ]