PRINCIPIANT Prin*cip"i*ant, a. Etym: [L. principians, p. pr. of principiare to begin, fr. principium. See Principle.]
Defn: Relating to principles or beginnings. [R.] Jer. Taylor.
PRINCIPIATE
Prin*cip"i*ate, v. t. Etym: [See Principiant.]
Defn: To begin; to initiate. [Obs.] Sir M. Hale.
PRINCIPIATION
Prin*cip`i*a"tion, n.
Defn: Analysis into primary or elemental parts. [Archaic] Bacon.
PRINCIPLE Prin"ci*ple, n. Etym: [F. principe, L. principium beginning, foundation, fr. princeps, -cipis. See Prince.]
1. Beginning; commencement. [Obs.] Doubting sad end of principle unsound. Spenser.
2. A source, or origin; that from which anything proceeds; fundamental substance or energy; primordial substance; ultimate element, or cause.
The soul of man is an active principle. Tillotson.