All 4 Uses

principal
in
A Step from Heaven
(Auto-generated)

By the time the principal steps up to the podium to begin the awards ceremony, my entire face has flamed red from my lies.†
p. 117.9 *

principal = most important; or person that is most important
Amanda shakes the principal's hand, then gets a hug and a certificate from Mrs. Connor, our English teacher.†
p. 118.2
Amanda and her parents clap loudly as I walk to the front to shake the principal's hand.†
p. 118.6
I only shook the principal's hand.†
p. 121.7

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.