princely state

noun — 2 senses

princely state

noun
1

A political state, in the widest sense, which is ruled as or like a principality in the generic sense, regardless of the ruler's actual title and rank.

2

India, Pakistan, Historical A vassal state under the indirect rule of the British Raj, which is governed by an Indian ruler.

More specifically

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.