Definition
Monarchal refers to something related to a monarchy, a system of government where a single person, the monarch (king, queen, or emperor), holds supreme authority. Think of the British royal family. It implies a hierarchical structure with the monarch at the top, often inheriting their position. It contrasts with republics or democracies where power is distributed or elected. Monarchal systems can vary in the amount of power the monarch holds, from absolute to largely ceremonial. It typically evokes images of royalty and tradition.