<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>A group of nations or peoples ruled over by an emperor, empress, or other powerful sovereign or government; usually a territory of greater extent than a kingdom, as the former British Empire, French Empire, Russian Empire, Byzantine Empire, or Roman Empire.</li><li>A government under an emperor or empress.</li><li>The historical period during which a nation is under such a government.</li><li>Supreme power in governing; imperial power; sovereignty.</li><li>A powerful and important enterprise or holding of large scope that is controlled by a single person, family, or group of associates.</li><li>A variety of apple somewhat resembling the McIntosh.</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>Characteristic of or developed during the first French Empire, 1804–15.</li><li>Noting or pertaining to the style of architecture, furnishings, and decoration prevailing in France and imitated to a greater or lesser extent in various other countries, c1800–30.</li></ul>