imperial

I

im•pe•ri•al

[[t]ɪmˈpɪər i əl[/t]] adj.

1) gov of, pertaining to, or characteristic of an empire or emperor

2) gov characterizing the rule or authority of a sovereign state over its dependencies

3) of a commanding quality, manner, or aspect

4) regal

5) of special or superior size or quality

6) wam (of weights and measures) conforming to the nonmetric standards legally established in Great Britain

7) a member of an imperial party or of imperial troops

8) an emperor or empress

9) an article of exceptional size or quality

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Etymology: 1325–75; ME emperial < MF < LL imperiālis= L imperi(um) imperium+-ālis -al I im•pe′ri•al•ly, adv. II

im•pe•ri•al

[[t]ɪmˈpɪər i əl[/t]] n.

a small, pointed beard beneath the lower lip

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Etymology: 1835–45; < F impériale, n. use of fem. of impérial imperial I (after Napoleon III, who wore such a beard)