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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

PRINCIPALITY, n. As in Eng., a region or state ruled by a princc. Also used attrib. Hence Principality of Scotland, the lordship of certain lands of Scotland, notably in Ayrshire, Renfrewshire and Ross-shire, formerly held as of right by the eldest son of the King of Scotland as Prince and Steward of Scotland, and failing him by the Crown itself. Cf. Prince, Principality, of Wates.Sc. 1722 W. Forbes Institutes I. i. 45:
The King's eldest Son (now styled Prince of Great Britain) having an Appanage or Patrimony in Scotland, erected in a Jurisdiction, called the Principality, with his Chancery and Officers of state, as Advocate, Justice-General, etc.Sc. 1751 Acts 25 Geo. II. c.20:
It shall be lawful for his majesty, until his royal highness George Prince of Wales shall attain the full age of 21 years, to hold and possess the principality and stewartry of Scotland. The Lands and other Heretages, commonly known by the Name of The Principality of Scotland.Sc. 1773 Erskine Institute i. iv. § 12:
Sundry lands, mostly in the shires of Ays, Renfrew, and Ross, were granted by the crown, at least as early as the reign of Robert III., for an appanage or patrimony to the king's eldest son, then called the Prince of Scotland, and erected into a regality called the Principality.Sc. 1891 J. Craigie Conveyancing 17:
Principality of Scotland. — This consists lands belonging to the Sovereign's eldest son, as Prince and Steward of Scotland, and to the Sovereign when there is no Prince.Sc. 1928 Encycl. Laws Scot. V. 322:
The principality of Scotland consists of a dukedom and certain earldoms and lordships, of which the fee is in the sovereign and the usufruct is an appanage of the sovereign's eldest son. These territories consist partly of the patrimonial lands of the Bruces, Earls of Carrick, and of the High Stewards of Scotland, and partly of the forfeited lands of the Lords Boyd and the Lords of the Isles.