The kingliest kings are crowned with thorn. --G.
Massey.
Leave kingly backs to cope with kingly cares. --Cowper.
Syn: Regal; royal; monarchical; imperial; august; sovereign;
noble; splendid.
Usage: {Kingly}, {Regal}. Kingly is Anglo-Saxon, and refers
especially to the character of a king; regal is Latin,
and now relates more to his office. The former is
chiefly used of dispositions, feelings, and purposes
which are kinglike; as, kingly sentiments; kingly
condescension; `` a kingly heart for enterprises.''
--Sir P. Sidney. The latter is oftener applied to
external state, pomp, etc.; as, regal state, regal
title, etc. This distinction is not observed by our
early writers, but is gaining ground.