Historical reference: Do not rely on this information. It is very old. About this collection
Palatine, holding or pertaining to a high office in an imperial palace (Lat. palatium), originally the office of treasurer to the Roman and Byzantine emperors. In mediaeval France and Germany the term was applied to the jurisdiction of high officials under the Empire who enjoyed royal privileges, and later especially to the electoral principality known as the Palatinate. In England the ruler of a county palatine (i.e. of Lancaster, Chester, and Durham) enjoyed royal privileges, such as special courts, judges, constables, and stewards, and even a parliament of their own.