A male ruler of an empire, usually holding power over many countries or peoples. His position is often inherited and considered higher than that of a king.
From Old French 'emperere,' from Latin 'imperator' meaning 'commander, ruler,' from 'imperare' (to command), from 'im-' (in) + 'parare' (to prepare, order). In Rome, 'imperator' was originally a title given to victorious generals. It later became a title for supreme rulers.
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