Empire word meaning and definition

[noun] an eating apple that somewhat resembles a McIntosh; used as both an eating and a cooking apple
[noun] a group of countries under a single authority; "the British empire"
[noun] a group of diverse companies run as a single organization
[noun] a monarchy with an emperor as head of state
[noun] the domain ruled by an emperor or empress

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