Though in theory subject directly to the pope, these rulers had been practically independent or dependent on other states for generations.
Those realities made them practically independent rulers.
Venice became, at that point, a practically independent state.
In the political realm, for example, Joseph Smith was able to obtain a charter for the city that made it practically independent of the state.
The yarn tension is practically independent of speed and hence very high production rates (up to 300 m/min) can be attainable.
Powerful Serbian nobles became practically independent in the regions they controlled.
The podesta, likewise, was an extremely influential member, being practically independent of the emperor.
By this time the counts were practically independent.
The city was practically independent of the rest of the Empire, as it had its own government, a form of republic.
The delegates prepared an alternative bill, proposing a constitution for a practically independent Iceland in personal union with the Danish king.