(Saxon cwæn), was employed to denote femina, mulier, conjux, as well as the most noted of women and wives, to whom now it is only appropriated. The use of queen as a sovereign princess who reigns in her own right, and possesses all the powers which are the prerogative of a male who is endowed with kingly authority, is an application of the word which was not originally contemplated. The king's consort has been regarded in all countries as a person of eminent dignity, and who has possessed privileges granted to no other woman, whether married or single. A queen-consort, in England, is regarded in all legal proceedings as a single and not as a married woman. She is competent to purchase and convey lands, to grant leases, and to do other acts of ownership, without the king's intervention. She may have a separate property in goods, and may dispose of them by will. She pays no toll, and is free from arrestment by any court. She is, however, to all intents the king's subject, and is generally upon the same footing with other subjects. Her majesty has separate courts and officers distinct from the king's, not only in matters of ceremony, but by ancient usage of law; and her attorney and solicitor-general are entitled to a place within the bar in the king's courts. Her personal expenses are defrayed from the king's privy purse. A queen-dowager enjoys most of the privileges which belonged to her as Queen-Consort.

A queen regnant differs in no respect from a king as to the political rights vested in the dignity.

The Hungarians have an aversion to the name of queen, and when a female ascends the throne, she reigns with the title of king. (See Maria Theresa.)