princeps/ˈprɪn.sɛps/EtymologyBorrowed from Latin prī̆nceps (“first, foremost”). Doublet of prince and principe.nounThe title of the Roman emperor during the principate.“Its special characteristics were that the princeps was not governed by any law of procedure or confined to a particular place of judgment and, moreover, had complete freedom in the composition of his consilium.”One who, or that which, is foremost, original, etc.The editio princeps, or first edition of a book.