Regalia

Regalia

rəˈɡālyə

Noun

  • The emblems or insignia of royalty, especially the crown, scepter, and other ornaments used at a coronation.
  • The distinctive clothing worn and ornaments carried at formal occasions as an indication of status.

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Example Sentences

“The regalia on the military uniforms was varied, based on rank.”

“The collection of crown jewels is part of the queen’s regalia for formal ceremonies.”

“I had to wear full regalia for the graduation ceremony, but I wore a dress underneath the robe.”

Word Origin

Latin, mid-16th century

Why this word?

“Regalia” comes directly from the same medieval Latin word that means “royal privileges.” The earliest English use of the word applied to actual royalty, but the usage broadened to include any ornamentation worn to indicate status. For example, academic regalia includes the gowns, caps, hoods, and medals worn during graduation ceremonies. Technically, “regalia” is a plural noun (as “regalis” is the singular in Latin), but there is no singular form in English. You can use it with either a plural or a singular verb because it works like a collective noun, such as “government” or “staff” (but using the plural form is mostly in British English, and Americans tend to use the singular in all situations).

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täkˈsäfəˌlīt