em|pire

em|pire «EHM pyr», noun.

1. a group of nations or states under one ruler or government, one country having some measure of control over the rest: »

The Roman Empire consisted of many separate territories and different peoples.

2. a country that has an emperor or empress: »

the Japanese empire.

SYNONYM(S): realm, domain.

3. absolute power; supreme authority; rule: »

Westward the star of empire takes its way (John Quincy Adams).

SYNONYM(S): sovereignty, dominion, sway.

4. Figurative. a large business or group of businesses under the control of a single person, family, or syndicate: »

a real-estate empire. His empire included fertilizer sales, grain storage, cotton farming, a funeral home, and a newspaper (Wall Street Journal).

╂[< Old French empire, learned borrowing from Latin imperium rule, command < imperāre; see etym. under emperor (Cf. ↑emperor)]

Em|pire «EHM pyr», adjective.

of or having to do with a style of dress, furniture, art, and decoration, in fashion during the first French Empire (1804-1815), characterized at its height by formal and complex design. An Empire dress or gown had a high waistline, loosely hanging skirt, and short, full sleeves. Empire furniture became large and heavy, with ornate carving, inlay, brass feet, and the like.