An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A fundamental, primary assumption, or general law from which others are derived.

Etymology (EN): From M.E., from O.Fr. principe, from L. principium “a beginning, first part,” from princeps “first, chief, prince,” literally “that takes first,” from primus “first” + root of capere “to take.”

Etymology (PE): Parvaz “origin, root, stock” (as used in particular by Ferdowsi); cf. Av. fra-vāza- “drawing from; leading onward,” from Av. fra-, frā- “before; forward, forth” (fratəma- “first, front,” pouruua- “first,” fra-cara- “preceding;”
O.Pers. fra- “forward, forth;” Mid.Pers. fra-;
cf. Skt. pra- “before, formerly,” prathama- “earliest, initial,” pūrva- “first;” Gk. pro; L. pro; O.E. fyrst “foremost,” superlative of fore)

• vaz- “to draw, guide; bring; possess; fly; float,” vazaiti “guides, leads”
  (cf. Skt. vah- “to carry, drive, convey,” vahati “carries,”
  pravaha- “bearing along, carrying,” pravāha- “running water, stream, river;” L. vehere “to carry;” O.E. wegan “to carry;” O.N. vegr; O.H.G. weg “way,” wegan “to move,” wagan “cart;” M.Du. wagen “wagon;” PIE base *wegh- “to drive;” see also → flight).