3 uses
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Definition
most important; or person who is most important
The exact meaning of principal can depend upon its context. For example:
- "the principal idea" or "the principal performer" — the most important
- "the principal of the school" — the person in charge
- "a principal of a company" — an owner or person with controlling authority
- "the principal in a transaction" (as contrasted to the agent) — the person on whose behalf an agent acts
- Give me my principal, and let me go.4.1 — Act 4 Scene 1 — Venice. A court of justice (74% in)
- ...strange Than is thy strange apparent cruelty; And where thou now exacts the penalty,— Which is a pound of this poor merchant's flesh,— Thou wilt not only loose the forfeiture, But, touch'd with human gentleness and love, Forgive a moiety of the principal, Glancing an eye of pity on his losses, That have of late so huddled on his back, Enow to press a royal merchant down, And pluck commiseration of his state From brassy bosoms and rough hearts of flint, From stubborn Turks and Tartars,...4.1 — Act 4 Scene 1 — Venice. A court of justice (6% in)
- Shall I not have barely my principal?4.1 — Act 4 Scene 1 — Venice. A court of justice (75% in)
There are no more uses of "principal" in The Merchant of Venice.
Typical Usage
(best examples)