Main Entry: sub·sid·i·ar·i·ty

Pronunciation: \ˌsəb-si-dē-ˈer-ə-tē, səb-ˌsi-\

Function: noun

Date: 1936

1 : the quality or state of being subsidiary
2 : a principle in social organization: functions which subordinate or local organizations perform effectively belong more properly to them than to a dominant central organization