Principate
/ˈprɪn.sɪ.pət/noun
The system of Roman imperial government established by Augustus, in which the emperor ruled while preserving the forms of the Republic.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin *princeps*, meaning “first” or “chief,” the same root behind *prince*, and it was deliberately chosen to make monarchy look like republican modesty.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
princeps
“first, foremost; chief citizen or leader”
Late Latin
Latin
principatus
“the office or rule of the first man; leadership, sovereignty”
14th Century
English
principate
“the office or period of rule of a prince or sovereign”
Modern English
English
principate
“the system of government under the early Roman emperors, especially from Augustus onward”