All 9 Uses of

principal
in
Carrie, by Stephen King

The stones fell principally on the home of Mrs. Margaret White, damaging the roof extensively and ruining two gutters and a downspout valued at approximately $25.†

principally = primarily or most importantly

Mr. Morton, the assistant principal, was out of his office in a flash when they entered.†
*

principal = most important; or person that is most important

He tried to project the image of a lovable John Wayne figure while performing the disciplinary functions that were his main job as Assistant Principal, but did not succeed very well.†

The administration (usually represented at Jay Cee suppers, P.T.A. functions, and American Legion award ceremonies by Principal Henry Grayle) usually termed him "lovable Mort."†

In the case of Carrie White, the only witness to any possible prologue to the final climactic events was Margaret White, and she, of course is dead Henry Grayle, principal of Ewen High School, had been expecting him all week, but Chris Hargensen's father didn't show up until Friday-the day after Chris had skipped her detention period with the formidable Miss Desjardin.†

George Kramer, the assistant principal of the consolidated high school in S.D. 14 was a poker buddy.†

Monday morning; Principal Grayle and his understudy, Pete Morton, were having coffee in Grayle's office.†

Excerpt from a letter dated June ninth from Principal Henry Grayle to Peter Philpott, Superintendent of Schools: ...and so I feel I can no longer continue in my present position, feeling, as I do, that such a tragedy might have been averted if I had only had more foresight.†

I would like you to accept my resignation effective as of July 1, if this is agreeable to you and your staff.... Excerpt from a letter dated June eleventh from Rita Desjardin, instructor of Physical Education, to Principal Henry Grayle: ...am returning my contract to you at this time.†

Definitions:

(1) (principal)
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
(2) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)
meaning too rare to warrant focus:

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