Definition of "principal" []

• First, highest, or foremost in importance, rank, worth, or degree; chief. See Synonyms at chief. (adjective)
• Of, relating to, or being financial principal, or a principal in a financial transaction. (adjective)
• One who holds a position of presiding rank, especially the head of an elementary school or high school. (noun)
• A main participant in a situation. (noun)
• A person having a leading or starring role. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Admitting the truth of this reflection, we might still reply, that the principal merit of the Iliad, considered as the production of Genius, lies in the grandeur of the sentiments, the beauty and sublimity of the illustrations, and the _original_ strokes which are wrought into the description of the _principal Actors_."
• "Remember this, That the ruling, pre - dominant, chief, and principal end in labour - ing for the things of this world, ihould be in in reference to the world to come, Wheft QtrvtA prayed for life, * it was not principal* ly that he mqght live; but that he might live andpraifcQod, Pfal."
• "Throughout this news release and except where otherwise indicated, the term "principal amount," where used with respect to the Zero Coupon Notes due 2020, are references to their accreted amount as of the Early Settlement Date as defined below and the term "principal amount at maturity," where used with respect to the Zero Coupon Notes due 2020, are references to their principal amount payable at maturity of $1,000 per note."