What is the meaning of Principate?

The early period of the Roman Empire, during which some characteristics of the government of the Roman Republic were retained; the reign of any particular emperor during said period.

The office of one who is principal or preeminent (such as a prince); the quality or status of being principal; preeminence.

A state ruled by a prince; a principality.

Primary; principal.

second-person singular voseo imperative of principar combined with te

Source: wiktionary.org