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Princeps

For the star, see Delta Boötis.

Princeps (plural: principes) is a Latin word meaning "first in time or order; the first, foremost,[1] chief, the most eminent, distinguished, or noble; the first person".[2] As a title, princeps originated in the Roman Republic wherein the leading member of the Senate was designated princeps senatus.[3] It is primarily associated with the Roman emperors as an unofficial title first adopted by Augustus (r. 27 BC – AD 14) in 23 BC. Its use in this context continued until the regime of Diocletian (r. 284 – 305 AD) at the end of the third century. He preferred the title of dominus, meaning "lord" or "master".[citation needed] As a result, the Roman Empire from Augustus to Diocletian is termed the "principate" (principatus). Other historians define the reign of Augustus to Severus Alexander (r. 222 – 235) as the Principate, and the period afterwards as the "Autocracy".[4]

The medieval title "Prince" is a derivative of princeps, as is the title Principal.[3]

  1. ^ Simpson, D.P. (1968). Cassell's Latin Dictionary, Latin-English, English-Latin. London: Cassell Publishers Limited. p. 713. ISBN 9780826453785.
  2. ^ Charlton T. Lewis, Charles Short (1897). "princeps, cĭpis, adj". A Latin Dictionary. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
  3. ^ a b Encyclopædia Britannica – Princeps
  4. ^ A History of Rome to A.D. 565, rev. 6th ed., Sinnigen & Boak, PanMacMillan, ç1975

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