principle

principle n

Fr. principe or L. principium, beginning, origin, source, first place; see prince, n.

  1. Constitution; character; innocent state; initial condition; fundamental set of attributes; [word play on “prince” or “principal”] creator; author; father; lord; God.
  2. Truth; belief; axiom; tenet; doctrine; precept; perception of reality; fundamental understanding of life; [fig.] solo; song; melody; music; tune; hymn; rhapsody; [metaphor] ode; lyric poem.