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. [ 1913 Webster ] Over hell extend
His empire, and with iron scepter rule. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] Empire carries with it the idea of a vast and complicated government. C. J. Smith. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Any dominion; supreme control; governing influence; rule; sway; as, the empire of mind or of reason. “Under the empire of facts.” M. Arnold. [ 1913 Webster ] Another force which, in the Middle Ages, shared with chivalry the empire over the minds of men. A. W. Ward. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
