1. in criminal law, one who commits an offense, or an accomplice actually or constructively present during commission of the offense.
2. in commercial law, the amount received in loan, or the amount upon which interest is charged;
3. in the law of agency, one who has permitted or engaged another to act for his or her benefit, in accordance with his or her direction and subject to his or her control.
4. chief, superintendent. compare principle.
EXAMPLE: Tara buys property for Sphinx Mall Company. Sphinx desires to be an undisclosed principal because it believes that land prices would skyrocket if sellers knew the identiy of the real purchaser.
