principality

Domain of royalty

A principality is a territory ruled by a prince or princess, or from which such a title derives.

Monaco and Liechtenstein are modern principalities.

The term also appears in Christian theology, where principalities are an order of angels—or, in some contexts, malevolent spiritual powers: We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities.

territory

duchy

Noble-ruled territory

domainArea of control
realmGoverned territory or sphere
fiefdomFeudal territory under lord

province · microstate · Monaco · Liechtenstein · Andorra · enclave · city-state · jurisdiction · bishopric · satrapy

rulership

sovereign

Supreme in power

regentInterim throne holder
throneCeremonial chair for sovereigns
crownSovereign's ornamental headpiece

dynasty · succession · coronation · palace · royal house · monarchy · heir · consort · court · scepter

feudal

fief

Granted feudal estate

vassalLand-holding sworn subordinate
feudalismLand-for-service social structure
manorLanded aristocratic residence

serfdom · lord · castle · knight · homage · liege · suzerainty · vassalage · fealty · demesne

nobility

aristocracy

Rule by hereditary elite

peerageSystem of noble ranks
dukeHighest-ranking nobleman
duchessWoman of ducal rank

baron · countess · viscount · marquis · gentry · patrician · blue blood · titled · landed · courtier

governance

self-rule

Governance without outside control

autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
sovereigntySupreme independent authority
independenceFreedom from external control

self-determination · self-governance · devolution · home rule · administration · constitution · legislature · charter · statehood · diplomatic

principality

duchy

sovereign

fief

aristocracy

self-rule

principality

Opposites

Categories

Family