principate

/P R IH1 N S AH0 P EY0 T/
noun
  1. 1

    The early period of the Roman Empire, during which some characteristics of the government of the Roman Republic were retained; the reign of any particular emperor during said period.

  2. 2

    The office of one who is principal or preeminent (such as a prince); the quality or status of being principal; preeminence.

  3. 3

    A state ruled by a prince; a principality.

adjective
  1. 1

    Primary; principal.

Source: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/principate