The circuits were virtually autonomous and their administration was not dominated by church officials, but by the laity.

Each of the Morris companies operated as a separate and virtually autonomous profit center.

During the 12th century some of the cities of Provence became virtually autonomous.

The missions were self-sufficient, with thriving economies, and virtually autonomous from the Spanish crown.

Fortunately for Ropczyce, as a 'Royal town', it was given virtually autonomous administration.

North and South were virtually autonomous and these smaller units seemed to have produced greater coherence rather than less.

Just two months ago, the military expelled rebels from the Jaffna Peninsula, where they had run a virtually autonomous state for years.

The castle and the large surrounding fief became a virtually autonomous principality.

Mr. Denktash insists on a settlement providing for two virtually autonomous entities.

The governor was, in effect, the coordinator for virtually autonomous entities that had overlapping economic interests but little in common politically or socially.