principate

The early period of the Roman Empire, during which some characteristics of the government of the Roman Republic were retained; the reign of any particular emperor during said period.

The history of the courts and of judicial procedure during the principate is closely parallel to that of the government as a whole.

The transition from republic to Principate brought a new and potent factor into the legal picture of the Roman state, the princeps or emperor.

The office of one who is principal or preeminent (such as a prince); the quality or status of being principal; preeminence.

1998, Annabel S. Brett (translator and editor), William of Ockham, On the Power Of Emperors and Popes, Thoemmes Press, page 87, From all this we may draw the conclusion that papal principate was instituted for the utility and advantage of its subjects and not for the honour and glory or the utility and temporal advantage of the holder of the principate, in such a way as that such principate deserves to be called 'of service' and not of 'lordship'.

A state ruled by a prince; a principality.

Primary; principal.