from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Empire \Em"pire\, n. [F., fr. L. imperium a command,
sovereignty, dominion, empire, fr. imperare. See {Emperor};
cf. {Imperial}.]
1. Supreme power; sovereignty; sway; dominion. "The empire of
the sea." --Shak.
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Over hell extend
His empire, and with iron scepter rule. --Milton.
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2. The dominion of an emperor; the territory or countries
under the jurisdiction and dominion of an emperor (rarely
of a king), usually of greater extent than a kingdom,
always comprising a variety in the nationality of, or the
forms of administration in, constituent and subordinate
portions; as, the Austrian empire.
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Empire carries with it the idea of a vast and
complicated government. --C. J. Smith.
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3. Any dominion; supreme control; governing influence; rule;
sway; as, the empire of mind or of reason. "Under the
empire of facts." --M. Arnold.
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Another force which, in the Middle Ages, shared with
chivalry the empire over the minds of men. --A. W.
Ward.
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{Celestial empire}. See under {Celestial}.
{Empire City}, a common designation of the city of New York.
{Empire State}, a common designation of the State of New
York.
Syn: Sway; dominion; rule; control; reign; sovereignty;
government; kingdom; realm; state.
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