Empery

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Absolute sovereignty or supreme authority exercised by a single ruler ; the region or domains governed under such supreme power
2. Complete and unchecked power wielded by an autocratic leader ; the lands and peoples subject to that ruler's dominion
3. Undivided dominion exercised by a monarch or potentate ; the realm or empire over which such authority extends

Etymology: "Empery" is a near-twin of "empire" that has fallen out of everyday use but kept its original sense of command. It came into English from Old French "emperie," which took it from Latin "imperium," meaning command, control, or dominion. Latin "imperium" was itself built from "imperare," to command or order, which combined "in" (in or on) with "parare," to make ready or prepare. The underlying idea is of arranging something so that it stands under one's direction. Because "empery" and "empire" both descend from "imperium," they are doublets: two forms of one word that reached English by different routes. "Empire" arrived with the sense of a large territory ruled by a single authority, while "empery" kept the older, more abstract idea of supreme rule itself. The result is that "empery" usually names sovereignty or absolute command rather than the land under it.

Synonyms: sovereignty, dominion, supremacy, rule

Antonyms: subjugation, servitude