Definition

Noun: 1. The institution of the monarchy in the United Kingdom: The "British Crown" represents the state authority and sovereignty embodied by the reigning monarch as the head of state. 2. The legal and constitutional entity of the monarchy: It refers to the government and the state in their legal capacity, as distinct from the person of the monarch.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The island is a territory under the British Crown. (The island is governed by the authority of the UK monarchy.)
  • Historically, allegiance was sworn to the British Crown. (Loyalty was formally pledged to the monarchical institution.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be a servant of the Crown": To be employed by the state or government.
  • As a judge, he is a servant of the Crown.
• "Crown property": Land or assets owned by the state.
  • This forest is managed as Crown property.

Variants and Related Words

• The Crown (n): Often used synonymously with "British Crown" in legal and governmental contexts to mean the state.
• Crown Colony (n): A historical term for a colony under the direct control of the British government.
• Royal (adj): Pertaining to the monarch or monarchy (e.g., royal family, royal assent).

Synonyms

• The monarchy: The kingship or queenship and its institution.
• The sovereign: The monarch as the supreme authority.
• The state (in this specific constitutional context): The government and its authority.

Related Phrases

• Loyal to the Crown: Faithful to the monarch and the institution they represent.
  • The oath requires soldiers to be loyal to the Crown.
• Acting on behalf of the Crown: Performing official duties for the state.
  • The minister was acting on behalf of the Crown when she signed the treaty.

Related Idioms

• The Crown jewels: The ceremonial regalia of the monarchy, often used metaphorically for valuable assets.
  • The company considered its patent portfolio to be its crown jewels.
• Heavy is the head that wears the crown: A saying about the burdens of leadership and responsibility (derived from Shakespeare).
  • The Prime Minister sighed, knowing that heavy is the head that wears the crown.

Noun

1. the symbol of the power of the British monarchy
   • members of the British Commonwealth owe allegiance to the British Crown