late 14c., generalite, generalte, "universality, universal application;" c.1400 "whole body of persons," from Old French generalité, generaute "sort, type; totality, entirety," from Late Latin generalitatem (nominative generalitas) "generality," from Latin generalis "relating to all" (see general, adj.). Related: Generalities. Form generalty is attested from late 14c.