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.