All 4 Uses of

principal
in
Out of My Mind

The teacher called Mrs. Anthony, the principal, whose eyes got wide as she opened our door.†
p. 55.5 *

principal = most important; or person that is most important

The principal was so proud, she bought pizza for the entire school, even though the team was only for grades four, five, and six.†
p. 147.3

My heartbeat sped up and I jerked my arms with excitement as I heard the principal say, "All students who wish to try out for the Whiz Kids quiz team, please report to Mr. Dimming's room after school."†
p. 176.4

The principal has declared that next Friday is Quiz Team Day, and the entire school is being treated to free pizzas and sodas!†
p. 243.2

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:

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