The title of the sovereign ruler of au empire. This designation wasadopted by the rulers of the Roman world after the decay of the republic, and was assumedby those who claimed to be their successors in the “Holy Roman Empire,” asalso by Napoleon. It is now used as the title of the monarch of some single countries,as lately iu Brazil, and some composite states, as Germany and Austria-Hungary, and bythe king of England as “Emperor of India.”The title “emperor” seems to denote a power and dignity superior to that of a”king.” It appears to be the appropriate style of the executive head of a federal government ,constructed on the monarchial principle. and comprising in its organizationseveral distinct kingdoms or other quasi sovereign states; as is the case with theGerman empire at the present day.
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
