1. Plural of principate; the office, rank, or period of rule of a Roman emperor or prince, especially during the early Roman Empire.
Usage: historical; often capitalized when referring to the Roman Principate
2. Plural of principate; positions of leadership or authority held by a principal or chief person.
Usage: formal; less common than the historical sense

Examples

• The early principates of Augustus and Tiberius shaped Roman governance for centuries.
• Historians study the various principates to understand the evolution of imperial power.
• The Principate was characterized by the emperor's supreme authority over the state.
• Several principates during the second century were marked by relative stability and prosperity.
• The transition between principates often involved complex political negotiations.