regalia
/rɪˈɡeɪlɪə
/plural noun [treated as singular or plural]
1The emblems or insignia of royalty, especially the crown, sceptre, and other ornaments used at a coronation.The front was covered with decorations, including mock-ups of a throne and floral crown, window-sill models of Coronation regalia and the Royal coach, coloured lights and Royal portraits....
- The principal pieces of St Edward's regalia, including the coronation crown, were delivered directly to the Mint.
- Norwegian royalty is shorn of regalia but is safety ensconced in respect.
1.1The distinctive clothing worn and ornaments carried at formal occasions as an indication of status: the Bishop of Florence in full regalia...
- This man who came was very powerful, in full regalia, very formal, dramatic, articulate in many languages - a Zulu.
- Dressed in full regalia with mitre and crook, Bishop David then led a prayer of thanks for the new school and everyone who worked and studied in it.
- Pius XII is standing, in full regalia; his papal cloak envelops him, draped over his shoulders like a protecting towel as if he had just emerged from a swim.
Usage
The word regalia comes from Latin and is, technically speaking, the plural of regalis. However, in the way the word is used in English today it behaves as a collective noun, similar to words like staff or government. This means that it can be used with either a singular or plural verb (the regalia of Russian tsardom is now displayed in the Kremlin or the regalia of Russian tsardom are now displayed in the Kremlin), but it has no other singular form.
Origin
Mid 16th century (in the sense 'royal powers'): from medieval Latin, literally 'royal privileges', from Latin, neuter plural of regalis 'regal'.