All 27 Uses of

principle
in
Jane Eyre

I remember her as a slim young woman, with black hair, dark eyes, very nice features, and good, clear complexion; but she had a capricious and hasty temper, and indifferent ideas of principle or justice: still, such as she was, I preferred her to any one else at Gateshead Hall.†
p. 36.4

principle = basic rule or belief

We are, and must be, one and all, burdened with faults in this world: but the time will soon come when, I trust, we shall put them off in putting off our corruptible bodies; when debasement and sin will fall from us with this cumbrous frame of flesh, and only the spark of the spirit will remain, — the impalpable principle of light and thought, pure as when it left the Creator to inspire the creature: whence it came it will return; perhaps again to be communicated to some being higher than man — perhaps to pass through gradations of glory, from the pale human soul to brighten to the seraph!†
p. 70.1

Why, in defiance of every precept and principle of this house, does she conform to the world so openly — here in an evangelical, charitable establishment — as to wear her hair one mass of curls?†
p. 76.1

I keep it and rear it rather on the Roman Catholic principle of expiating numerous sins, great or small, by one good work.†
p. 164.6

I believed he was naturally a man of better tendencies, higher principles, and purer tastes than such as circumstances had developed, education instilled, or destiny encouraged.†
p. 172.5 *

principles = basic rules or beliefs

I was actually permitting myself to experience a sickening sense of disappointment; but rallying my wits, and recollecting my principles, I at once called my sensations to order; and it was wonderful how I got over the temporary blunder — how I cleared up the mistake of supposing Mr. Rochester's movements a matter in which I had any cause to take a vital interest.†
p. 189.3

She had Roman features and a double chin, disappearing into a throat like a pillar: these features appeared to me not only inflated and darkened, but even furrowed with pride; and the chin was sustained by the same principle, in a position of almost preternatural erectness.†
p. 200.2

principle = basic rule or belief

, of the parties, the less I felt justified in judging and blaming either him or Miss Ingram for acting in conformity to ideas and principles instilled into them, doubtless, from their childhood.†
p. 217.9

principles = basic rules or beliefs

All their class held these principles: I supposed, then, they had reasons for holding them such as I could not fathom.†
p. 217.9

My principles were never trained, Jane: they may have grown a little awry for want of attention.†
p. 303.8

You think me an unfeeling, loose-principled rake: don't you?†
p. 359.8

principled = with or based on basic beliefs

I will hold to the principles received by me when I was sane, and not mad — as I am now.†
p. 365.4

principles = basic rules or beliefs

Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour; stringent are they; inviolate they shall be.†
p. 365.5

In the midst of my pain of heart and frantic effort of principle, I abhorred myself.†
p. 370.0

principle = basic rule or belief

There was a reviving pleasure in this intercourse, of a kind now tasted by me for the first time — the pleasure arising from perfect congeniality of tastes, sentiments, and principles.†
p. 402.3

principles = basic rules or beliefs

Yes; I feel now that I was right when I adhered to principle and law, and scorned and crushed the insane promptings of a frenzied moment.†
p. 414.9

principle = basic rule or belief

You too have principle and mind: your tastes and habits resemble Diana's and Mary's; your presence is always agreeable to me; in your conversation I have already for some time found a salutary solace.†
p. 447.9

Can I bear the consciousness that every endearment he bestows is a sacrifice made on principle?†
p. 467.3

on principle = because of a basic rule or belief

Both by nature and principle, he was superior to the mean gratification of vengeance: he had forgiven me for saying I scorned him and his love, but he had not forgotten the words; and as long as he and I lived he never would forget them.†
p. 473.4

principle = basic rule or belief

To his sisters, meantime, he was somewhat kinder than usual: as if afraid that mere coldness would not sufficiently convince me how completely I was banished and banned, he added the force of contrast; and this I am sure he did not by force, but on principle.†
p. 474.4

on principle = because of a basic rule or belief

I deeply venerated my cousin's talent and principle.†
p. 475.1

principle = basic rule or belief

To have yielded then would have been an error of principle; to have yielded now would have been an error of judgment.†
p. 482.2

As she grew up, a sound English education corrected in a great measure her French defects; and when she left school, I found in her a pleasing and obliging companion: docile, good-tempered, and well-principled.†
p. 519.2

principled = with or based on basic beliefs

Mary's is a clergyman, a college friend of her brother's, and, from his attainments and principles, worthy of the connection.†
p. 520.8

principles = basic rules or beliefs

Definitions:

(1) (principle)
a basic rule or belief
The exact meaning of principle can depend upon its context. For example:
- "our guiding principles" -- basic moral beliefs that guide decisions and behavior
- "electromagnetic principles" -- rules describing how the world works
- "She lacks principles." -- lacks moral guidelines
- "We agree in principle." -- about important basic beliefs
(2) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)
meaning too rare to warrant focus:

See a comprehensive dictionary for more specialized senses including one in chemistry.