Emily Dickinson Lexicon

RE'GAL, a. [Fr. from L. regalis, from rex, Sans. raja, connected with rego, to govern; Sax. recan or reccan, to say, to reck, to reckon, to rule, to direct; the root of right, L. rectus, Sax. reht. See Reck and Reckon.]

Pertaining to a king; kingly; royal; as, a regal title; regal authority; regal state, pomp or splendor; regal power or sway. But we say, a royal or kingly government, not a regal one. We never say, a regal territory, regal dominions, regal army or regal navy. Regal expresses what is more personal.