Princeps

princeps

(Latin; “first one,” “leader”)

Unofficial title used by Roman emperors from Augustus (r. 27 BC–AD 14) to Diocletian (r. 284–305), a period called the principate. The title originated during the Roman republic, when it was held by the leading member of the Senate. Its use by Augustus strengthened his claim to be the restorer of republican institutions and virtues, though he and his successors were in fact autocrats. See also prince.

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Princeps 

a title in ancient Rome.

The princeps senatus was at the head of the list of the senators and was usually the eldest of the former censors. Officially he had no special authority or rights, except for the honorary right to express the first opinion in the Senate when a question was posed by the consuls. Nevertheless, during the republican period some holders of the office had considerable authority and often exercised a strong influence on policy. During the imperial period, beginning with the reign of Augustus, the term princeps senatus designated the bearer of imperial power.

The princeps iuventutis was the leader of the equestrian order.