a title of honour derived from the Romans, among whom majestas stood for the highest power and dignity of the people. Majesty was ascribed to the dictator, consul, and senate, and to persons or bodies vested with legislative power, in so far as they were the representatives of the sovereign public. At the fall of the republic, the name and dignity of majesty passed over to the emperors, and the title of dignitas was given to the magistrates. The attribute of majesty was not given to kings till much later. It was used first by the German emperors, and was introduced into France under Henry II., and into England under Henry VIII. The Emperor of Austria has the title of K. A. Majestät (Kaisertich-Königliche-Majestät), Imperial Royal Majesty. The Pope conferred the title of Apostolical Majesty on Stephen, Duke of Hungary, and on Maria-Theresa; of Catholic Majesty on Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain; of Most Christian Majesty on the kings of France after Louis XI.; and of Most Faithful Majesty on the kings of Portugal after John V.

Majesty is now used conventionally as the title of European emperors and kings, with the exception of the Turkish Sultan, whose title is that of Highness.