MAJESTY, a title given to kings, which frequently serves as a term of distinction.

Thus the emperor is called Sacred Majesty, Imperial Majesty, and Caesarian Majesty; the king of France is called his Most Christian Majesty, and when he treats with the emperor, the word Sacred is added; and the king of Spain is termed his Most Catholic Majesty: with respect to other kings, the name of the kingdom is added, as his Britannic Majesty, his Polish Majesty, &c. Formerly princes were more sparing in giving titles, and more modest in claiming them: before the reign of Charles V., the kings of Spain had only the title of Highness; and before that of Henry VIII., the kings of England were only addressed under the title of Grace and Highness.