5 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
- You know, my business isn't distributing roofing—it's principally keeping my competitors from distributing roofing.Chapter 5 (81% in)
- You see—you see it's like this: In the first place, maybe the owner of the property exaggerated when he put it into my hands, and it certainly isn't my place to go proving my principal a liar!Chapter 4 (68% in)
- You don't have to recite to some frosty-faced old dame that's trying to show off to the principal, and you can study any subject you want to.Chapter 6 (43% in)
- As Mr. Mott was suffering from slight infection and sore throat, G. F. Babbitt made the principal talk.Chapter 14 (29% in)
- Her principal gesture was a pontifical but thoroughly ladylike blessing with two stubby fingers.Chapter 30 (74% in)
There are no more uses of "principal" in Babbitt.
Typical Usage
(best examples)