Primus inter pares

First among equals is a phrase which indicates that a person is the most senior of a group of people sharing the same rank or office. The concept is also known by its Latin equivalent, primus inter pares, from which it originates. Examples include the Prime Minister of many Commonwealth nations, the President of the European Commission, the Chief Justice of the United States, and some religious figures. The term was also used by Roman Emperors (see Princeps) as a means of reducing the appearance of dictatorship (which was particularly important during the early Roman Empire to appease those who may have longed for a return to the old Roman Republic).

Related Topics:
Latin - Prime Minister - Commonwealth - European Commission - Chief Justice of the United States - Roman Emperor - Princeps - Roman Empire - Roman Republic

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A number of books have been titled First among equals.

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