State

:This article discusses states as sovereign political entities. For other meanings, see state (disambiguation).

Etymology

The word "state" originates from the medieval state or regal chair upon which the head of state (usually a monarch) would sit. By process of metonymy, the word state became used to refer to both the head of state and the power entity he represented (though the former meaning has fallen out of use). A similar association of terms can today be seen in the practice of referring to government buildings as having authority, for example "The White House today released a press statement..."

Related Topics:
Regal chair - Head of state - Metonymy - Building

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