All 6 Uses

principal
in
Flags of Our Fathers
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The principal called them into his office and told them they couldn't play on the playground until they'd fixed the stepladder.†
Chpt 2. *

principal = most important; or person that is most important
The straitlaced principal reddened, but held his tongue.†
Chpt 2.
The principal launched his inevitable inquisition.†
Chpt 2.
For this, the principal kicked him out of school.†
Chpt 2.
Japan's principal war aim was the conquest of European colonial empires in Asia.†
Chpt 3.
Glen broached the idea with the principal, who not only endorsed it but also arranged for the boys' classes to be accelerated so they could enlist early.†
Chpt 4.

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)
See a comprehensive dictionary for specialized senses in finance, architecture, law, chemistry, and music.