1. Plural of principality; territories or states ruled by a prince or princess.
Usage: Most common modern sense; refers to sovereign or semi-sovereign regions
2. In Christian theology, a class of angels or celestial beings in the hierarchy of heaven.
Usage: religious; theological

Examples

• The principalities of Europe in the 18th century were often small but wealthy.
• Monaco and Liechtenstein are modern examples of principalities.
• Medieval principalities were frequently at war with one another.
• The principalities mentioned in religious texts represent different ranks of angels.
• Many principalities along the Rhine River became part of larger nations during the 19th century.