ˈprɪnsəpl n. 1 a
fundamental truth or
law as
the basis of reasoning or
action (arguing
from first principles;
moral principles). 2 a a
personal code of
conduct (a
person of
high principle). b (in pl.)
such rules of conduct (has no principles). 3 a
general law in
physics etc. (the
uncertainty principle). 4 a law of
nature forming the basis
for the
construction or
working of a
machine etc. 5 a fundamental
source; a
primary element (held
water to be the first principle of
all things). 6 Chem. a
constituent of a
substance,
esp.
one giving
rise to
some quality, etc. øin principle as regards fundamentals but
not necessarily in
detail. on principle on the basis of a moral
attitude (I refuse on principle). [ME f. OF principe f. L principium source, (in pl.) foundations (as PRINCE)]