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princely state. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
princely state, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
princely state in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Noun
princely state (plural princely states)
- a political state, in the widest sense, which is ruled as or like a principality in the generic sense, regardless of the ruler's actual title and rank.
- (more specifically, historical, India, Pakistan) a vassal state under the indirect rule of the British Raj, which is governed by an Indian ruler
Usage notes
- Generally used for the feudal domains of native potentates maintained under indirect rule in European colonies, mainly British India where there were hundreds of them, while Western princes are said to reign over 'principalities'.