princely state

English

Etymology

princely +‎ state

Noun

princely state (plural princely states)

1. A political state, in the widest sense, which is ruled as or like a principality in the generic sense, regardless of the ruler's actual title and rank.

Usage notes

• Generally used for the feudal domains of native potentates maintained under indirect rule in European colonies, mainly British India where there were hundreds of them, while Western princes are said to reign over 'principalities'.