All 4 Uses

principle
in
Hedda Gabler
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You declared they were adapted only for men of the strictest principles.†
Act 2 *

principles = basic rules or beliefs
But no doubt Mr. Lovborg's principles are strict enough now.†
Act 2
Faithful to your principles, now and for ever!†
Act 2
Well, I fancy that altered his purpose; for we menfolk are unfortunately not always so firm in our principles as we ought to be.†
Act 3

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