Em'pīre, n.
n. [Fr. empire, Pr. emperi, Sp., Pg., & It. imperio, fr. Lat. imperium, command, sovereignty, dominion, empire, from imperare. See EMPEROR.]
Sense 1. Supreme power or authority in governing; sovereignty; sway; dominion; imperial power; as, the empire of the ocean.
Over hell extend His empire, and with iron scepter rule. Milton.
Sense 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; the British empire.
Sense 3. Supreme control; governing influence; rule; sway; as, the empire of reason or of truth.
Synonyms—Sway; dominion; rule; control; reign; sovereignty; government; kingdom; state.