master spirit

The master spirit of this society is the convict Harcamone, in solitary confinement, awaiting the guillotine.

From Time Magazine Archive

As it came closer, high on the poop, standing alone like its master spirit, she discovered her lover.

From Captain Kyd (Vol 1 of 2) or, The Wizard of the Sea by Jonathon Holt Ingraham

Mr. Disraeli has over and over again flung in the face of Mr. Gladstone the fact that Bright, and not he, is the master spirit of Radicalism.

From Modern Leaders: Being a Series of Biographical Sketches by Justin McCarthy

Meanwhile the master spirit of the nation—Santa Anna—had not been idle in the midst of his disheartening reverses.

From Mexico, Aztec, Spanish and Republican Vol. 1 of 2 A Historical, Geographical, Political, Statistical and Social Account of That Country From the Period of the Invasion by the Spaniards to the Present Time; With a View of the Ancient Aztec Empire and Civilization; A Historical Sketch of the Late War; And Notices of New Mexico and California by Brantz Mayer

All other beings who approached Goethe either were, or had been, or might be, more or less modified by the action of that universal and master spirit.

From Visits and Sketches at Home and Abroad with Tales and Miscellanies Now First Collected Vol. I (of 3) by Mrs. (Anna) Jameson