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imperialadj.n. Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French emperial, imperial; Latin imperiālis. Etymology: < (i) Anglo-Norman enperial, emperal, imperiall, imperiel, Anglo-Norman and Middle French emperial, imperial (French impérial ) of superior quality, befitting an emperor, princely, royal, splendid, magnificent, of, relating to, or belonging to an emperor or empire (all 12th cent. in Anglo-Norman or Old French), of, relating to, or belonging to the Roman Empire (c1235 or earlier), and its etymon (ii) classical Latin imperiālis of or relating to the Roman emperor, of or relating to the Roman Empire (2nd cent. a.d.), in post-classical Latin also (with reference to a king) royal (4th cent.), worthy of or befitting an emperor, behaving like an emperor (from 10th cent. in British sources) < imperium imperium n. (see also definition) + -ālis -al suffix1. Compare Old Occitan emperial, Catalan imperial (14th cent.), adjectives, Spanish imperial (c1295 as adjective; also as noun), Portuguese imperial, adjective (14th cent.), Italian imperiale (a1308 as adjective, a1539 as noun).Specific senses of the adjective. In imperial plum (see quot. 1629 at sense A. 9b) perhaps after French prune impériale (1625 or earlier). In sense A. 8 in uses relating to the Russian Empire after Russian imperatorskij (compare imperatorial adj.). Specific senses of the noun. With sense B. 1 compare Old French, Middle French emperial , Middle French imperial denoting a richly ornamented silken fabric (c1200), and also post-classical Latin imperialis (masculine noun) in same sense (13th cent. in British sources). With sense B. 2a compare Old French emperiaux , Middle French, French (now hist.) impériaux (masculine plural noun) followers or troops of an emperor collectively (13th cent.), supporters of or troops belonging to the Holy Roman Emperor (1552). With sense B. 2b compare Middle French emperial emperor (second half of the 14th cent.). In sense B. 4 after Middle French imperiale (French impériale ) denoting a card game in which the sequence of cards from the ace down to the jack plays an important role (1545 in Rabelais in this sense; now historical); the card game was probably so called on account of the concept of card rank in it, rather than (as sometimes suggested) because it was Emperor Charles V's favourite card game. In sense B. 5a after Middle French imperiale, French impériale (1533 in this sense). In sense B. 5b after Russian imperial (1755 in this sense; now historical; compare French impériale (1771 in this sense)). With the uses as noun to denote coins, compare also post-classical Latin imperialis (masculine noun) coin current in Italy in the 12th cent. (12th cent. in continental sources). In sense B. 6 probably after French impériale the roof or top of a carriage where passengers could sit (1648 in this sense), apparently so called on account of its elevated position, like a crown on the head of an emperor. The sense ‘trunk or case fitted to the roof of a coach or carriage’ is not recorded in dictionaries of French, although compare Italian imperiale , feminine noun (1798 in this sense). In sense B. 8 after French impériale, feminine noun (1830 or earlier in this sense, replacing earlier royale (see royal adj.) in similar use). Specific forms. In β. forms partly reflecting French forms with initial e, and partly (especially in later use) influenced by empire n., emperor n., and related words. With the forms in -eal-, -eal, -eall compare Middle French empereal (c1350). A. adj. I. Senses relating to an empire. society > authority > rule or government > territorial jurisdiction or areas subject to > [adjective] > of or relating to an empire a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) vi. l. 1785 A gret Cronique imperial. a1425 (?a1400) G. Chaucer (Hunterian) (1891) l. 6419 There shall[e] no Iugge imperial Ne bisshop ne Official Done Iugement on me. a1464 J. Capgrave (Cambr. Gg.4.12) (1983) 93 Than went Octo to Rome and receyued þe imperial crowne. 1469 in (2007) 1469/20 The imperiale notaris. 1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart II. ccxiv. [ccx.] 658 He..shewed certayne letters patentes apostolykes and imperyalles. 1548 f. clxixv The Duchie [sc. Milan] is Imperiall, and in our gifte as many other seigniories bee. 1617 F. Moryson i. 285 The Coynes of other Princes and free Cities, are stamped with the Imperiall Eagle. 1679 E. Everard 26 That which..did happen upon this Error of Estate to the Imperial House of Austria. 1728 E. Chambers (at cited word) Imperial Chamber is a Sovereign Court, establish'd for the Affairs of the immediate States of the Empire. 1781 E. Gibbon III. xxviii. 73 Four respectable deputations were successively voted to the Imperial court. 1801 J. Bicheno iii. 81 We conclude the Dragon to be—not any particular man—but the Romano-Germanic empire, or the Imperial government or power, as exercised by a succession of men. 1861 M. Pattison in Apr. 413 High above, the Imperial double eagle figured in all its ugliness. 1891 A. A. Berle 2 Their Imperial Majesties—Alexander III, Czar of Russia; Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Empress of India; William II, Emperor of Germany [etc.]. 1903 10 Aug. 3 Neither the Imperial nor the Prussian Government is at the moment in fighting trim. 1927 J. D. Duff tr. M. Rostovtzeff II. xiv. 191 The governors of these provinces, and of most imperial provinces, were senators. 1963 27 Sept. 44 a/1 Malaysia is a makeshift country, hammered together out of four former British colonies whose names are redolent with the romance of imperial days. 2005 14 Nov. 26/2 Princess Sayako..visited three shrines in the Imperial Palace grounds that are dedicated to legendary Japanese gods and emperors of the past. 2. society > authority > rule or government > territorial jurisdiction or areas subject to > [adjective] > independent (England from Holy Roman Empire) c1485 ( G. Hay (2005) 100 Ȝit is thare sindry othir realmes yat obeyis nocht to the Emperoure, as ffrance spaigneȝe and jngland, the quhilkis has be writt thair jurisdictioun jmperiale. 1528–9 Acts Lords of Council Civil Causes XXXIX. f. 158, in at Origine [That the King and his progenitors have held the realm] fre imperiale fra the first origioun. 1532–3 c. 12 This realme of England is an Impire..gouerned by one supreme head and kynge, hauynge the dignitie and royall estate of thimperiall crowne of the same. ?1556 Abp. M. Parker (title) A Defence of priestes mariages, stablysshed by the imperiall lawes of the Realme of Englande. c1600 (1875) I. 52 This realme is..an emperiall sea of itself. 1660 11 What is an Imperial Crown? It is that, which, as to the Coercive part, is subject to no man under God. 1705 J. Anderson (title) Historical Essay showing that the Crown and Kingdom of Scotland is imperial and independent. 1724 J. Swift 14 Ireland is on the contrary called in some Statutes an Imperial Crown, as held only from God. 1765 W. Blackstone I. vii. 242 The meaning..of the legislature, when it uses these terms of empire and imperial, and applies them to the realm and crown of England, is only to assert that our king is equally sovereign and independent within these his dominions, as any emperor is in his empire; and owes no kind of subjection to any other potentate upon earth. 1819 Aug. 163/1 Here rested He, whose sun in darkness set, Imperial England's first Plantagenet! 2008 S. Mottram i. ii. 92 Norfolk..chose to identify imperial England with the past empires of Constantine and Arthur. society > authority > rule or government > politics > British politics > [adjective] 1706 (Lord Commissioners Union Eng. & Scotl.) 3 All Papists, and Persons marrying Papists, shall be excluded from, and for ever incapable to Inherit, Possess, or Enjoy the Imperial Crown of Great-Britain. 1775 E. Burke 54 The Parliament of Great Britain sits at the head of her extensive empire in two capacities: one as the local legislature of this island... The other, and..nobler capacity is what I call her imperial character; in which..she superintends all the several inferior legislatures. 1802 W. Windham 24 May (1812) I. 341 The subject..appeared more especially unworthy of being entertained by the imperial parliament. 1858 J. B. Norton 142 All those things..which are from their nature imperial, require some one central controlling authority. 1865 29 Apr. The improvement..was traced by Mr. Gladstone through every branch of the Imperial income. 1888 15 Sept. 5/3 The United Kingdom is an ‘Imperial’ State—a State exercising ‘imperium’, or dominion over the colonies and other dependencies. 1921 Jan. 61/2 The burden of increasing taxation was being increasingly felt. Local rates and imperial taxation had reached a point where they were taking three-fourths or more of business profits. 1974 J. S. Galbraith i. 15 This was an ambitious undertaking..and would have required a considerable imperial expenditure for civil and military purposes. 2011 H. M. Carey i. ii. 53 Gladstone made repeated efforts to introduce uniform imperial legislation that would create a more democratic and independent form of synodal governance for the Church of England across the empire. society > trade and finance > management of money > management of national resources > [adjective] > of or relating to specific policies or actions society > authority > rule or government > politics > international politics or relations > international agreements > [adjective] > of commerce within British Commonwealth 1726 A. Boyer Jan. 16 According to..the Emperour's Minister, their Imperial and Catholick Majesties have already agreed to maintain with united Forces the Imperial Company of Commerce in the Netherlands. 1806 1st ser. 7 1212 This Imperial Company, it was said, exported from patriotic motives, vast quantities of woollens, at an enormous loss. 1887 38 This Association..approves of the general idea of establishing an Imperial Institute in which the commercial interests of the United Kingdom, as well as those of India and the Colonies shall be adequately represented. 1902 XXXIII. 393/1 The British Empire League, and the Imperial Trade Defence League endeavour to promote inter-Imperial trade. 1927 5 Mar. 8/7 Appreciation of the work of the Imperial Economic Committee and the Empire Marketing Board for the development of the market for Dominion produce in Great Britain. 1994 D. Cannadine v. 109 Many of the greatest grandees..bought land in the colonies or shares in imperial companies. 2009 G. Kearns ii. 53 The same issue..had earlier broken the Imperial Federation League: protectionism. II. Senses relating to an emperor. society > authority > [adjective] > having imperial authority a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) vii. l. 866 Thus the Sonne is overal The chief Planete imperial. a1500 in F. J. Furnivall (1903) 112 O quene of hevyn Imperyall [e] ! 1541–2 Act 33 Hen. VIII in R. Bolton (1621) 184 Honours..to the estate and majestie of a king imperiall appertayning or belonging. 1600 W. Shakespeare ii. i. 163 And the imperiall Votresse passed on, In maiden meditation, fancy free. View more context for this quotation 1696 M. Prior 47 Imperial Britain on the sea looks down. 1718 N. Amhurst 10 For oft, what proves unable to convince Imperial Reason, shakes the Coward Sense. 1841 35 i. 38 To-day the imperial heaven and the queen-like earth..have brought us all together. 1886 J. B. Wentworth iii. ix. 319 The Reason is a more exalted attribute of the Mind, than is the Understanding. It is the imperial faculty of the Intellect. 1908 J. Hastings II. 870/1 Possessed of an imperial intellect, he [sc. Hegel] succeeds in constructing a system (Absolute Idealism), with extraordinary skill and infinite detail. 1979 M. G. Raskin vi. 160 Imperial leaders including Johnson, Nixon, and Kissinger believed that sacrifice must be made through national security institutions. 2008 M. Gerenczer et al. vi. 197 Doing business (whatever your business) cannot be a solo show, driven by a single imperial personality. 5. society > authority > command > [adjective] > having commanding quality the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > majesty, glory, or grandeur > [adjective] ?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius (BL Add. 10340) (1868) i. pr. i. l. 91 I ne myȝt[e] not knowe what þat woman was of so imperial auctorite [L. tam imperiosae auctoritatis]. 1508 W. Dunbar Goldyn Targe (Chepman & Myllar) in (1998) I. 192 O reuerend Chaucere, rose of rethoris all (As in oure tong ane flour imperiall). 1617 F. Moryson i. 137 Built by Pope Sixtus the fifth, with Imperiall magnificence. 1650 J. Bulwer 83 They would suffer none to reign over them, but Princes that had such imperial Noses. 1733 B. Booth 56 He bends the Heavens with his Imperial Nod. 1781 W. Cowper 14 The Lily's height bespoke command, A fair imperial flower. 1849 T. B. Macaulay I. i. 20 In so splendid and imperial a manner did the English people, properly so called, first take place among the nations of the world. 1911 Apr. 925/2 Mrs. Hannah Pritchard played Lady Macbeth and overwhelmed beholders by..the grandeur of her imperial manner. 1997 K. Edwards 196 After so many nights of listening to Steve rant about Inez, her imperial demeanor, her outrageous demands, [etc.]. 2011 C. Maxwell 86 He..had the pleasure of seeing his response throw off her imperial manner. the mind > emotion > pride > arrogance > [adjective] a1456 (c1425) J. Lydgate (1934) ii. 649 (MED) Þis hardy foole, þis bridde victoryous, Þis staately foole, mooste imperyal. 1581 R. Mulcaster xxxvi. 136 Scholers by reason of their conceit which learning inflameth..become to imperiall to rest vpon a litle. 1603 S. Daniel lix An imperiall lust, that being vnrain'd, Will hardly be resisted any where. 1706 P. A. Motteux (1709) ii. v. 18 If she prove disobedient to my Will, Do thou the proud Imperial Rebel kill. 1770 H. Brooke V. xvii. 255 I am under the positive interdiction of an imperial thing called a husband. 1830 J. Galt II. iv. i. 8 The Squire he is mighty imperial. 1868 Apr. 78 Eldred Pottinger..directed it successfully..by the sheer force of commanding intellect and imperial will. 6. the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective] > and splendid the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > splendour, magnificence, or pomp > [adjective] ?1435 ( J. Lydgate (1934) ii. 638 (MED) This tabernacle off moste magnyficence, Was off his byldyng verrey imperyall Made ffor the lady callyd Dame Sapience. a1522 G. Douglas tr. Virgil (1960) Direct. 58 In that art of eloquens the flude Maste cheif,..Soverane fontane, and flum imperiall. 1590 L. Lloyd sig. C3v From thence they went with the greatest solemnitie and the most imperiall pompe that might bee deuised. 1639 T. Fuller iii. i. 109 He was graced to wear his shoes of the Imperiall fashion. 1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis vi, in tr. Virgil 423 To tame the Proud, the fetter'd Slave to free; These are Imperial Arts, and worthy thee [sc. Rome]. 1731 A. Pope 204 These are Imperial Works, and worthy Kings. 1757 S. Boyce 37 Imperial pomp adorn'd her face, And god-like grandeur glow'd in ev'ry grace. 1819 J. H. Payne v. ii. 49 It [sc. a house] swell'd To an imperial size, and overpeer'd The petty citizens, that humbly dwelt Under its lofty walls. 1871 E. F. Burr v. 79 The marrow, and fatness of this imperial diet. 1938 I. F. Marcosson xv. 376 Outwardly Vienna was still beautiful... Most of the public buildings had retained their air of imperial magnificence. 1999 S. P. Miller vi. 336 Ford did not share Nixon's taste for imperial pomp and fanfare. the world > matter > colour > named colours > purple or purpleness > [adjective] > deep purple 1736 E. S. Rowe iv. 31 Others stretch'd in sleeping postures lie, On folding carpets of imperial dye. 1819 10 May 298/2 The violet of imperial hue, The hyacinth fill'd with nectarious dew. 1847 C. Dickens (1848) xx. 194 His Imperial complexion was mainly referred by the faculty to that circumstance. 1908 H. Van Dyke 157 Immense [iris] blossoms, so dark that they look almost black against the grass; but hold them up to the sun and you will see the imperial colour. 1999 N. Capace 23 In humid woodland spots the crested iris of imperial hue and the pink ladyslipper come to life. 7. society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > sovereign ruler or monarch > emperor > [adjective] c1450 (c1380) G. Chaucer (Fairf. 16) (1878) l. 1361 But al on hye above a dees Sit in a see imperiall..Y saugh perpetually y-stalled A femynyne creature. 1483 ( tr. G. Deguileville (Caxton) v. xi. f. civ Vnto thyn estate Imperyall No preysynge is that maye be peregal. 1549–62 T. Sternhold & J. Hopkins ciii. 19 And by his power imperiall, he gouernes all the world. 1570 J. Foxe (rev. ed.) I. 546/1 Whether they shalbe eyther of regal, quenely, or imperial dignitie. 1603 R. Knolles 53 Without regard that he had but the other day worne vpon his head the imperiall crowne. 1664 H. More 262 They both aspired to a Majesty and Power plainly Imperial. 1726 J. Swift I. i. i. 15 A Person of high Rank from his Imperial Majesty. 1764 C. Churchill 31 Where is the glory of imperial sway, If subjects none but just commands obey? 1771 J. R. Forster tr. J. B. Bossu I. xvi. 274 As to the emperor, his imperial habit was no better this day than that of his attendants, for they all were dressed as Adam was in the terrestrial paradise. 1830 J. S. Memes tr. L. A. F. De Bourrienne II. xv. 265 Here was now the imperial procession of the Empress. 1867 E. A. Freeman I. iii. 162 The Imperial titles and Imperial pretensions of the English Kings in the tenth and eleventh centuries. 1921 E. L. White Pref. 1 Since the establishment of the Principate in our Republic many men..have incurred Imperial displeasure. 1961 W. Brandon x. 283 The Russian American Company was given a fur monopoly by Russian Imperial decree in 1799. 2010 J. Clements iii. 79 It was now possible to directly disobey an imperial command, as long as one can come up with a rational doubt. society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > sovereign ruler or monarch > emperor > [adjective] > ancient or Holy Roman 1480 (Caxton) ccli. sig. x3 Frederike duke of Osterike..was crouned with Imperiall diademe..of pope Nicholas the iiij. a1513 R. Fabyan (1516) I. lxvii. f. xxiiiiv Whan Ye forsayd .ii. Emperoures had of theyr free Wylles Resygned and gyuen ouer all Imperyall dygnytie. c1515 Ld. Berners tr. (1882–7) xcix. 322 Thyther came themperour rychely armed with ye armes imperyall. 1543 ( (1812) 141 Maximian kyng of greate Brytain, By whole decre, and will of the senate, Was emperour of Roome, and ruled Almaigne..Wherfore we clayme the throne empirial. 1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay ii. xxi. 59 A slave unto the Emperor [sc. the Sultan]..durst very well advance himselfe to come too the estate imperiall. 1594 W. Shakespeare i. i. 6 The Imperiall Diademe of Rome. View more context for this quotation 1629 J. Maxwell tr. Herodian i. i. 21 He said he was afraid, lest some of the chiefe Nobles should seize the Imperiall Palace at Rome. 1658 Sir T. Browne ii. 21 The faces of many Imperiall persons,..Cæsar, Claudius [etc.]. 1708 J. Swift 7 The Pope..will dye..and..be succeeded by a Cardinal of the Imperial Faction. 1783 E. Gibbon (new ed.) VI. xxxiii. 7 The original writers are not agreed..whether Valentinian received the Imperial diadem at Rome or Ravenna. 1836 230 Robes of Tyrian dye constituted, among the Romans, the imperial purple. 1851 D. Wilson iii. ii. 390 An almost unbroken series of imperial coins from Augustus to Diocletian. 1868 W. Smith (ed. 7) at Provincia The senatorian provinces were distributed among consulares and those who had filled the office of praetor..The imperial provinces were governed by legati Caesaris, with praetorian power, the proconsular power being in the Caesar himself, and the legati being his deputies and representatives. 1934 24 33 The imperial cult was still further fostered by means of the Sevirate, the monopoly of the freedman class. 1974 R. Naroll et al. xvii. 236 Charles..had gradually transferred the richest areas [of the Hapsburg domains] to his son Philip, leaving the imperial title to his brother. 2011 19 Aug. 21/2 Between the beginnings of the Roman Empire under Augustus and its decay under the descendants of Theodosius II, there are a lot of imperial wives, sisters, and Empress-Mothers to fit in. the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > token of victory or supreme excellence > [adjective] > having been awarded a decoration > specific (of decorations) society > society and the community > social class > nobility > rank > knight > [adjective] > designating type of order 1606 T. Morton ii. x. 124 He censured..the Princes of the Imperiall Orders..to be vnworthie either of obedience from Subiects, or life in themselues. 1797 May 355/2 Charlotte Augusta Matilda, Princess Royal of Great Britain, Lady of the Imperial order of Russia of St. Catherine, and eldest daughter of King George III. 1856 E. H. Nolan II. cxxii. 693/2 Mouhammed Emin Anli Pasha, Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire, decorated with the Imperial Orders of the Medjidié. 1878 4 Jan. (Suppl.) 113/1 The Queen has been graciously pleased..to institute and create an Order of Distinction, to be styled and designated ‘The Imperial Order of the Crown of India’. 1902 XXXI. 340/1 The Imperial Order of the Crown of India is conferred for like purposes as the order of the Indian Empire. 1937 H. Welch iv. 152 The Emperor of China showed his appreciation by the Order of the Double Dragon, and later by the Imperial Order of the Precious Star. 1971 261 The Imperial Service Order..consists of the Sovereign and Companions (not exclusively male) to a number not exceeding 1325 of whom 750 may belong to the Home Civil Services and 575 to Overseas Civil Services. 2012 D. Luhrssen ix. 195 He became a knight in the Imperial Order of the Knights of Constantine and St. George. III. In extended uses. 9. 1535 J. Husee Let. 12 May in (P.R.O.: SP 3/12/77) f. 86 The watre impereall Bremelcome hathe, and it shalbe vsed according to yor Ladishippes wryting. 1551 T. Raynalde Ded. sig. Aijv Ye bought..a certain portion of the Oile, surnamid Imperial. 1749 T. Nugent III. 51 At the fame city you may have good perfumes, admirable bergamot, limetta, imperial oil and of Millefiori. 1834 R. Southey I. 30 We have Imperial Dining Tables! Imperial Oil for nourishing the hair! Imperial Liquid for Boot Tops! 1922 Dec. 163/3 The acquisition of an Imperial Table is not hampered by an immoderate price. 1971 28 Apr. 17/1 An ordinary fudge chocolate cake mix turns into an imperial dessert when the layers are filled with a chantilly cream frosting. 2005 Z. Roos 167 Her ‘bottles’ were Imperial bottles about the size of our 750 ml wine bottles of today. the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > [adjective] > specific size 1629 J. Parkinson xiii. 576 The Imperiall Plum is a great long reddish plum, very waterish. 1719 G. London & H. Wise (ed. 7) 219 Imperial Lettuces, which are of an extraordinary Size. 1790 J. Abercrombie 72/1 Scarlet Strawberry... Common scarlet... Imperial Scarlet... Striped leaved. 1821 24 Nov. 1/2 (advt.) New Imperial Plums, Prunellas.., French preserved Pears and dried Apples..have just been landed by Fortnum and Mason. 1852 July 106/2 Princes Imperial Gage.—This I have cultivated for the same period as the Bolmar. 1944 No. 541. 9 A number of strains of Imperial lettuce which are resistant to brown blight..have been developed. 1970 45 670 During this study, open-pollinated seedlings of York Imperial apples were grown in solution culture. 2012 (Nexis) 26 Apr. 11 The first frost of the season has resulted in tastier new season imperial mandarins on the shelves. society > communication > printing > paper > [adjective] > sizes of paper society > communication > writing > writing materials > material to write on > paper > [adjective] > designating international standard paper size > specific size of paper 1658 J. Spencer 312 For God will make them one day shine in joy, like the bright stars of Heaven, and make of them Royall, Imperiall Paper, wherein he will write his own name for ever. 1692 No. 2819/4 The Draught consisting of 4 Sheets of Imperial Paper. 1756 I. 34 A large Genealogy of the Royal Family of the Stuarts, on four Imperial Sheets of Vellum. 1818 Apr. 70 This work contains fifty-nine plates, engraved by the best Artists, and printed by Bennley and Solis, on imperial paper. 1864 W. T. Lowndes 2941 Wilson, Alexander. American Ornithology..Philadelphia, 1808–14. Imperial 4to. 9 vols. 1922 1 July 12/2 An imperial quarto beautifully printed on fine grade hand-made stock that will attract the attention of all book collectors. 1952 T. Lever App. II. 277 Of the published volumes, only ten copies were printed on imperial paper and twelve on demy paper. 2011 M. T. Buinicki iii. 49 It was believed that the space of a single volume of a thousand imperial octavo pages would be ample. society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > stone or rock > [adjective] > covered with slate > size of slate 1806 Mar. 253/2 The heads of the nails with which imperial or common slates are fastened to the boards, or batten-laths, are to be secured with putty. 1823 P. Nicholson xi. 396 The Imperial Slating, for roofs, is particularly neat, and is known by having its lower edge sawn; whereas all the other slates, used for covering, are only chipped square on their edges. 1902 72 Your Committee..recommend the acceptance of the tender of the Steinberger Hendry Co., Limited, for imperial slate, select stock, at twenty-four cents per square foot. 2005 June 54 (table) Imperial Slate. 1857 May 531 The Imperial Photograph, Brady's latest souvenir, has become a necessity. 1895 656 Suede leather..photograph frames..Carte de Visite size..Cabinet size..Imperial size. 1913 Jan. 50 The excellent imperial size photograph of my grandfather's house I have in my collection at home is..very highly prized. 1946 R. Meredith v. 54 Brady placed Gardner in charge of his new gallery and that year introduced the ‘Imperial Photograph’ to his patrons. the world > relative properties > measurement > [adjective] > serving as a unit of measurement > standard (of units) > specific standard 1814 F. P. Eliot Let. 20 June in 4 8 The pint (imperial, or any other title which may be thought more appropriate) to measure 287/ 8 cubic inches, and to be so filled or heaped if necessary, as to contain exactly one pound avoirdupoise weight of wheat. 1821 G. Clerk et al. in 57 360 That correct standards of this imperial gallon, and of the bushel, peck, quart, and pint, derived from it, and of their parts, be procured without delay for the Exchequer. 1826 J. Galt xviii. 163 (note) Scotch pint-stoups, before the reformation of the imperial measure, were made to hold something more than the standard quantity. 1844 H. Stephens II. 470 A calf..weighs from 10 to 11 stones imperial, sinking the offal, as it is called in London. 1854 C. Dickens i. i. 4 Ready to have imperial gallons of facts poured into them. 1892 27 Aug. 241/3 At a cost of about £10 per imperial acre. 1935 A. H. G. Palmer & K. S. Snell ii. 14 The unit of length for most scientific purposes is, in the British system, the foot (derived from the Imperial Yard, which is the distance between two lines on a bronze bar kept in London). 1972 25 78 Regarding milk, a Scotch pint..was said to approximate to 3 pints Imperial. 1985 D. Holloway i. 18/1 You will have to decide whether you are happier working in metric or imperial units; it's probably best to have a steel rule graduated in both. 2009 U. McGovern & P. Jenner 68 Despite a number of acts of parliament designed to move Britain towards the metric system, imperial measurements remain remarkably tenacious. the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > falling > [adjective] > fallen down > type of fall (of person) 1861 G. J. Whyte-Melville 134 Four imperial crowners at one and the same instant. 1889 R. S. S. Baden-Powell 75 The fall that followed was ‘imperial’. B. n.the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [noun] > interwoven with metallic thread c1435 in J. Stratford (1993) 223 Item, a grete celour of blewe imperiall. 1483 Wardrobe Acct. in (1807) I. 49 ij canapies, oon maade of imperial and the other of baldekyn. 1561 in J. Robertson (1863) 19 Ane bed of grene veluot maid of the imperiall like a chapell. c1613 ( in T. Stapleton (1839) 37 As for your cope..I send you a peice of baudkin, and another of impereal, to se whether ye will hafe of. 1876 D. Rock (new ed.) v. 39 At the end of the twelfth century there was brought to England from Greece, a sort of precious silk, named Imperial. 2008 W. Childs in C. Given-Wilson et al. 276 The value of the specified 322 gold cloths..amounted to £1435... With the addition of the 90 pieces of rakkemas and imperials the total value of gold cloth reaches £1621. 2. society > armed hostility > warrior > soldier > soldier by nationality > [noun] > imperial c1524 Bp. of Bath in H. Ellis (1827) 2nd Ser. I. 320 The Imperialles shall shortly receyve large sommys off monye. 1563 A. Golding tr. (title) The historie of Leonard Aretine concerning the warres betwene the Imperialls and the Gothes for the possession of Italy. 1630 tr. G. Botero (rev. ed.) 101 The Emperour and Germans, or if you please the Imperials. 1693 tr. J. Le Clerc iv. 58 The Imperials encamped as near them as possibly they could. 1787 P. H. Maty tr. J. K. Riesbeck II. xxxviii. 113 The Imperials, who had the advantage of the ground, beat them back again. 1845 Apr. 745 It would have been fortunate for the Imperials if they could have captured Napier's battery. 1890 T. W. Allies 329 It came to a fierce struggle between the Italians on the Pope's side and the imperials. 1916 Nov. 486 The Luneburg line sided with the Imperials. 1995 W. Weaver tr. U. Eco 109 To the northwest the imperials were pushing a mantelet: a sturdy cart, its sides armed with scythes. society > authority > rule or government > ruler or governor > sovereign ruler or monarch > emperor > [noun] 1594 W. Shakespeare iv. iii. 93 A matter of brawle betwixt my Vncle, and one of the Emperals [1623 Emperialls] men. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare (1623) ii. iii. 4 I..am going with Sir Protheus to the Imperialls Court. View more context for this quotation 1629 J. Gaule 260 To quell and curbe the Seditious, and Rebellious; to exact the Imperials Due, and mannage his Force. 1841 J. L. Motley Let. 25 Dec. in (1889) I. iv. 89 At twelve the Imperials [sc. the Emperor and Empress of Russia] retired and dismissed us. 1914 D. J. Hill II. vii. 595 The French plenipotentiaries..insisted that all the seats be placed in the same line at the left of the choir; the first for the nuncio, the next two for the Imperials, the next two for themselves, and the last for Contarini. 2010 J. F. Patrouch iii. 290 Empress Maria rode in a decorated wagon with her daughters... Following the Imperials in a place of particular honor were a number of young dukes. society > law > [noun] > edict, decree, ordinance, or institute > royal or imperial 1610 J. Selden iv. 16 The law of armes & the Imperialls. 1614 J. Selden 21 That great Volum of Lawes..comprehending a collection out of the Digests, Code, Nouells, and other Imperialls, was titled τὰ βασίλικα. 3. An article of special size or quality. Cf. sense A. 9, Compounds. society > communication > printing > paper > [noun] > sizes of society > communication > writing > writing materials > material to write on > paper > [noun] > paper of specific size 1572 J. Higgins (rev. ed.) sig. Ggvij/1 Papier royal, Imperial. 1673 R. Hooke 7 Feb. (1935) 27 Tooke 1 quire of large paper and six sheets of outside imperiall. 1712 Act 10 Anne in No. 5018/3 For all Paper called..Imperial fine 16s... per Ream. 1790 J. Wolcot 7 His nice discerning knowledge none deny, On crown, imperial, foolscap, and demy. 1813 J. Chitty (ed. 6) II. 394 Imperial fine, the ream... £2 5s. 2d. 1878 No. 25. 16 The sheet is somewhat large—the length of imperial. 1952 E. J. Labarre (ed. 2) 130/1 Imperial. Now standardized for writings and printings at 30″ × 22″ and for wrappings at 29″ × 221/ 2″, for boards at 30″ × 221/ 2″ and their multiples. 1968 (B.S.I.) 14 (heading) Table 2. Writing and printing papers and offset cartridges... Imperial..22 × 30. 1968 (B.S.I.) 17 Table 7. Paste boards; and duplex, triplex and ivory boards... Paste imperial..22½ × 30. 2005 J. Jennings i. i. 26 During the 1879 to 1909 period, paper sizes for drafting were standardized, including Double Elephant (27″ x 40″); Imperial (22″ x 30″); and Half Imperial (23″ x 16″). the world > food and drink > drink > tea manufacture > [noun] > types of dry tea > green tea 1713 J. Addison No. 328 (ed. 2) v Coffee, Chocolate, Green, Imperial, Peco, and Bohea-Tea seem to be Trifles. 1734 H. Carey 14 Come, Ladies, will you please to chuse your Tea; Or Green Imperial, or Pekoe Bohea? 1837 19 Aug. 111/1 Let some of our ladies and gentlemen..drink their toasts in a cup of Imperial. 1871 13 Nov. 805/2 Canton Greens: Gunpowders and Imperials had realised rates on a par with those previously current. 1970 Feb. 42/2 The loose-rolled, larger imperial, which is rarely seen today. 2007 S. Wilkinson iii. 80 The green teas are the Gunpowders, Imperials, Hysons and Twankeys. the world > food and drink > drink > fruit juice or squash > [noun] > juice with sugar and water 1772 C. White viii. 235 Lemon and orangeade, imperial, or Clutton's febrifuge julep may be drank, provided they do not occasion griping. 1827 21 829 Imperial, ginger-pop, soda-water, or lemonade. 1892 W. Schmidt 140 Imperial. Place in a large, well-warmed pot, one ounce of cremor tartari, the rind of three..lemons, one and a half pounds of sugar; pour over it two and a half quarts of boiling water..and let it stand. society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > stone or rock > [noun] > building stone > stone of the nature of slate > for roofing > piece of > having definite dimensions 1813 ‘T. Martin’ 532/2 This slating was originally made from that description of slates known as Welsh Rags. The slaters now frequently make it of Imperials. 1823 P. Nicholson xi. 395 The Welsh Slates..Imperials, 2 ft. 6 in. by 2 ft. 1823 P. Nicholson xi. 396 Patent slating..at the present time..is composed of the Imperials, which are lighter, and much neater in appearance. 1869 R. E. Brown xx. 252 Imperials—500 will cover 2 squares, and weigh 1 ton. 1996 (ed. 3) vi. 292 Blasting and slicing the stone into the attractively-named standard sizes: ‘Ladies’, ‘Countesses’, ‘Duchesses’, ‘Queens’ and ‘Imperials’. 1857 May 531 If you are social..you are beckoned by a graceful hand to the library to look at Papa's ‘Imperial’. 1886 May p. xi/2 The best imperials are, for a limited time, placed at Three Dollars per dozen, and those who desire a perfect portrait should visit Mr. Galloway's studio. 1946 R. Meredith v. 54 These ‘Imperials’ were paper prints of large size. 2009 D. Nardo 53 They called the larger photos ‘Imperials’. These measured 17 by 21 inches at first and became even larger later. the world > food and drink > drink > containers for drink > [noun] > decanter the world > food and drink > drink > containers for drink > [noun] > bottle > for liquor 1858 P. L. Simmonds 201/1 Imperial,..any thing large, as a large decanter. 1920 G. Saintsbury xii. 174 The gradations of the standard bottle—its multiples and fractions—are, as generally accepted, the rehoboam, or imperial, 8 bots.; [etc.]. 1967 A. Lichine 317/2 There are many magnums and double magnums in the Lafite cellars, as well as Imperials, which hold eight bottles, and Nebuchadnezzars (ten bottles). 2009 (National ed.) 21 May f4/2 Mr. McClendon's collection was strong on the large, fat-cat bottles like magnums, melchiors, imperials and methuselahs—anything over the standard 750 milliliters. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > other card games > [noun] > others 1577 N. Breton f. 12 And now farewell all gallant games Primero and Imperial, Wherewith I vsde with courtely Dames to passe awaye the time with all. 1775 Apr. 117/2 Three persons may play at Imperial..; but the most common method of play is by two. 1798 12 31 A general description of the game of Imperial. 1820 Apr. 166/1 They played piquet, whist, or imperial: afterwards they had a little music. 1847–78 J. O. Halliwell Imperial, a game at cards, mentioned as having been played by Henry VIII. 1909 R. F. Foster (rev. ed.) 476 (heading) Imperial, or piquet with a trump. 2009 (Little Giant Encycl.) (new ed.) 95 In imperial, all winning combinations must be declared and shown. 5. society > trade and finance > money > medium of exchange or currency > coins collective > foreign coins > [noun] > Flemish coins 1582 R. Madox Diary 4 Jan. in E. S. Donno (1976) 72 My brother gave me an ymperial rial and my sister a spur riol. 1652 A. Ross vi. ii. ix. 382 The Swede shall maintain thirty thousand foot, and six thousand horse, towards the charges of which the French will pay him yearly forty thousand Imperials. 1674 R. Godfrey 48 Glauber..had receiv'd six hundred Imperials before hand. 1728 E. Chambers at Coin Flemish Coins. Those of Gold are Imperials, Rides, or Philips, Alberts, and Crowns. 1766 T. Nugent I. ii. vii. 270 A mark of silver at that time was eight ounces, which at present makes eight imperials or florins. 1879 9 Aug. Michael Van Mierevelt..had a great deal of cash in hand,..such as ‘double ridders’, double Albertines,..gold Philips, gold Imperials, [etc.]. society > trade and finance > money > medium of exchange or currency > coins collective > foreign coins > [noun] > Russian coins 1768 W. Richardson Let. 7 Nov. in (1784) iii. 24 She usually plays for five imperials the rubber. 1799 W. Tooke III. xii. vi. 675 Merchants make a considerable distinction between old and new imperials and rubles. 1839 XV. 324/1 Imperial, a Russian gold coin, of 10 rubles... The English mint value of the imperial coined before 1763 has been given at 2l. 1s. 6d... The present value is 33s. 4d. 1897 16 Jan. 3/2 The ukase..orders that imperials and half-imperials shall be minted with the inscriptions ‘15 roubles’ and ‘7½ roubles’ respectively. 1911 N. I. Stone tr. K. Marx i. ii. 202 Even if national coins, such as Russian imperials, Mexican dollars, and English sovereigns, do circulate abroad, their name is of no importance, and only their contents count. 2010 M. A. Denzel 360 The gold standard was officially introduced, the (new) imperial..being reckoned at 15 gold roubles. society > travel > aspects of travel > a journey > [noun] > luggage > travelling boxes society > travel > means of travel > a conveyance > vehicle > cart, carriage, or wagon > carriage for conveying persons > [noun] > parts of > roof or hood 1773 171 A fine pavillion or imperial of a coach, when well grained and without defect, is the master-piece of a currier. 1792 S. Gunning II. xxi. 14 Her faithful Abigail almost buried in huge trunks, imperials piled upon each other, and banboxes of all dimensions. 1826 T. H. Lister (ed. 2) I. xiv. 220 The carriage, with its ponderous trunks and towering imperials, was actually at the door. 1857 T. Hughes i. i. 22 Couriers and ladies' maids, imperials and travelling carriages are an abomination unto me. 1870 J. H. Bennet x. 326 I was on the imperial or top of the diligence for the view, sitting next to the conductor. 1939 D. O. H. Blair i. ii. 15 The luggage was all on the roof, packed in two wide, shallow ‘imperials’ (an invention, I believe, of Napoleon), curved trunks which exactly fitted the carriage. 2003 I. Horrocks i. iii. 34 On top of the coach were three huge boxes—Imperials. society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > architecture > arch > [noun] > dome or cupola 1826 J. Elmes Imperial,..a kind of roof or dome which, viewed in its profile, is pointed towards the top, and widens itself more and more in descending towards its base. 1842 J. Gwilt Gloss. 968 Imperial, a species of dome, whose profile is pointed towards the top. the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > styles of hair > [noun] > styles of beard 1835 S. Horsley Let. in R. B. Gotch (1934) 192 What with his black hair longer than ever, a beard which he is now cultivating to a great length, mustachios and an imperial,..made you suspect the fact of his having escaped across the country from some wandering menagerie. 1841 June 460 Some of the mysterious paraphernalia of the player's art—two wigs, moustaches, an imperial. 1860 O. W. Holmes i. 4 A person with black whiskers and imperial. 1898 A. Cahan Imported Bridegroom in (1970) i. 95 He fell to tugging nervously at his white beard, which grew in a pair of tiny imperials. 1909 H. Bingham xi. 212 One of them, a stout old gentleman with an imperial, was the perfect counterpart of many a southern planter. 1939 R. Chandler i. 5 The officer had a neat black imperial, black mustachios..and the general look of a man it would pay to get along with. 1982 S. B. Flexner 65 The first group mainly wore short Imperials or waxed and pomaded Van Dykes. society > armed hostility > armed forces > the Army > unit of army > named companies, regiments, etc. > [noun] > British 1899 23 Dec. 2/1 It is intended that some 30 or 40 of the men shall join the City Imperials. 1902 13 425/1 The Major was in command of a small force of Imperials and Colonials who were besieged by the Boers in the Transvaal. 1917 28 June 1/5 Among casualties to N.C.O.'s and privates serving in the imperials, the following are reported. 1925 E. Fraser & J. Gibbons 127 Imperials, the, the name by which British troops were familiarly spoken of by the Canadians and Dominion and Colonial Contingents in the War. 2006 H. P. Klepak in P. E. Rider & H. McNabb iii. 59 In 1956, the Imperials (the Canadian Black Watch's term for the Parent Regiment in Scotland) were reduced to only one battalion. the world > relative properties > measurement > [noun] > a system or standard of measuring > other spec. 1970 275 38/2 Trada programmes, in both imperial and metric, are available for use by the trade, backed by a wide experience in computers. 1986 July 62/3 Some recipes are given in metric, others in imperial, and conversions are not always provided. 2004 Feb. 128/3 His weight converts to 22 stones in imperial and his powerful runs often create tries. Compounds the mind > attention and judgement > beautification > beautification of the person > beautification of the hair > styles of hair > [noun] > styles of beard 1832 II. 467 He..first adopted an imperial beard to conceal the warts upon his face. 1859 J. M. Jephson & L. Reeve 13 The other soldier, with a huge imperial beard. 1934 D. Walker-Snith 139 Wright..sat..with his advisers, a massive figure in all the dignity of flowing frock-coat, high collar, and the imperial beard which he had lately grown. 2009 M. Wortman iv. xvii. 214 The reserved and genteel Johnson, with his imperial beard..and aristocratic Virginia plantation manners. 1790 Aug. 445/1 A coat of imperial blue, with white lining, scarlet cuffs and facings, white collar, [etc.]. 1844 F. Lambert (ed. 2) 31 The ground of the second stripe is scarlet; the dividing lines,..imperial blue. 1894 15 Jan. 61/2 Imperial Blue..can be procured through almost any jobbing dealer in aniline dyes. 1921 G. C. Lewis iv. 36 The design was then waxed and dyed in a basin containing about two quarts of water, one-half teaspoon of 36% acetic acid and a teaspoon of imperial blue dye solution. 1990 Dec. 37/1 Hot sealing wax... Always in artistic patterns, vivid colors, imperial blue, pine green, magenta. 2010 (Nexis) 23 Apr. 4 The leather interior was a Portland colour, with minor leather trim in imperial blue for tasteful contrast. society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > district in relation to human occupation > town as opposed to country > city > [noun] > other types of city society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > district in relation to human occupation > town as opposed to country > city > [noun] > sovereign or independent 1550 W. Lynne tr. J. Carion iii. f. clxvi She shuld be & remain an emperial city [L. imperialis ciuitas]. 1603 R. Johnson tr. G. Botero 85 Geneua is an imperiall citty in Savoy. 1617 F. Moryson i. 203 City of Erfurt..is a free City, but not an imperiall City; and paies some tribute to the Bishop of Metz, and to the Saxon Duke of Wineberg. 1764 A. Anderson II. 285 A Convention was renewed and enlarged between his Majesty of Great-Britain and the free and imperial City and Republic of Hamburgh. 1849 May 266 It is questionable, if any German imperial city (Nuremberg even scarcely excepted) has retained its ancient manners, institutions, and usages, with so little change, for any like time, as Zurich. 1898 Mar. 225 The crime which lynching punishes—the crime for which Tarquin fled the Imperial City—goes hand in hand with lynching. 1948 Apr. 15/2 Madam Tan accompanied us on a visit to the Imperial City, pointing out the empress' living quarters. 1990 N. J. G. Pounds (abridged ed.) iii. ix. 272 The city-republics of Italy, the urban cantons of Switzerland, and some of the Free Imperial cities of Germany were..able to control an extensive hinterland. the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [noun] > interwoven with metallic thread a1553 Inventory in J. Raine (1859) 310 Two copes of clothe imperialle. 1828 T. Allen III. xx. 685 In 1492, 21s. 6d. was expended on four albes for embroidery; two of them were of crimson velvet, the others of imperial cloth of gold. 1859 J. G. Edgar xl. 394 The corpse, covered with cloth of gold, was carried to the Abbey of Westminster under a rich canopy of cloth imperial, supported by four knights. 1990 A. L. H. Rhinelander vi. 66 The imperial cloth was woven from a number of unique yarns. 2003 A. Wroe (2004) ii. 65 Above it [sc. the coffin] was a canopy of cloth imperial fringed with gold and blue silk. the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > particular cultivated or ornamental plants > particular flower or plant esteemed for flower > [noun] > lily and allied flowers > fritillary 1664 S. Blake 16 Crown-Imperial, or Imperial-Crown, counted the worthiest of Spring-flowers. a1758 J. Hervey (1759) I. 192 See the Imperial Crown, splendid and beautifully grand! 1886 186 There are a number of varieties [of Fritillaria], among which are the King's and Imperial Crown. society > armed hostility > defence > [noun] > imperial defence 1871 J. C. R. Colomb (title) Imperial strategy: with introductory letters addressed to The Times: forming Part I. of `‘Imperial defence’. 1938 67 The national defence was being quite adequately organised by the Committee of Imperial Defence. 2000 L. J. Butler (2002) i. 4 In 1926, the Chiefs of Staff defined the security of the sea-lanes as the cardinal principle of imperial defence. 1718 E. Taswell 29 Foreign Men from distant Nations come, And Gazing enter this Imperial Dome. 1870 D. Macrae I. x. 91 I remember..the Capitol, with its imperial dome, standing up like a white phantom against the sky. 2005 C. Tsiolkas 359 The hotel had originally been a four-storey bluestone Victorian mansion. An imperial dome crowned the structure. the world > food and drink > drink > fruit juice or squash > [noun] > juice with sugar and water 1767 R. W. Johnson iii. 49 The Emperial Drink. Take of Cream of Tartar, one drachm; The outer rind of fresh Limon or Orange Peel, half a drachm; Loaf Sugar, one ounce; Boiling Water, two pints. When they have stood in a white stone or porcelain vessel about ten minutes, strain off the liquor. 1897 T. C. Allbutt et al. III. 21 Plain water, barley water, lemonade or imperial drink may be allowed at will. 2001 S. E. Kirby 23 A pinch of alum in a glass of water will help. That and Imperial drink. Both are good for throat irritation. 1809 G. Shaw XIV. ii. 52 Imperial Eagle. Falco imperialis... This noble bird is a native of South-America. 1821 J. Latham I. 51 Imperial Eagle. Falco imperialis, Aigle imperial... Inhabits Egypt and Abyssinia.., but is now and then met with in the mountains of Tyrol and Silesia. 1870 6 66 Aquila heliaca (Savigny). Imperial Eagle. This eagle is surprisingly common both in Macedonia and in Bulgaria. a1933 J. A. Thomson (1934) II. 900 The smaller imperial eagle is much more abundant. It nests in trees. 2007 6 Apr. 10/1 In Europe the species expected to be challenged include the Spanish imperial eagle, the dunnock, crested tit and Scottish crossbill. the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > order Proboscidea (elephants) > [noun] > extinct types > other types or members of 1906 Nov. 559/2 Their big skeletons have been dug up away to the southward in the State of Texas, where the imperial elephant in his day was the king of all beasts. 1962 3 243/1 Those certainly or seemingly associated with man include..Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus..columbi); Imperial elephant (Mammuthus..imperator); Woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius). 2009 C. A. Stansfield 40 The fossils retrieved here include the bones of the imperial elephant. 1885 Marquis of Lorne i. 13 To draw more 'closely the bonds between us'..can be done by rendering those bonds mutually valuable, and making it plain to all men that they are so. Hence the institution of the Federation League and the cry for 'Imperial Federation'. 1886 16 June 11/1 He adopted Mr. Forster's definition of..Imperial Federation—viz., such a union of the mother country with her colonies as would keep the British Empire one State in relation to other States, through the agency of an organisation for common defence, and a joint foreign policy. 1917 28 Jan. 4/3 Absenteeism has been the curse of Australia in the past, and would be vastly increased under Imperial Federation. 2009 J. Darwin 335 Unlike Joseph Cook, joint leader of the New Zealand coalition government, they [sc. the Australian and Canadian premiers] were not interested in imperial federation. the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > order Proboscidea (elephants) > [noun] > extinct types > other types or members of 1903 3 26 A superb specimen of the tusks and palate of what may be known as the ‘Imperial Mammoth’, described in 1858 by Joseph Leidy as Elephas imperator. 1966 30 Dec. 1635 Beds containing bones of a single subadult, probably female, Imperial Mammoth. 2003 Spring–Summer 30/1 The subtropical climate nurtured giant land animals, such as the brontothere, and later, the imperial mammoth and giant sloth. the world > animals > birds > perching birds > order Columbiformes (pigeons, etc.) > [noun] > family Columbidae > miscellaneous types of 1830 J. Welsh II. v. 214 This day..Lethbridge killed a curlew, jungle-fowl, imperial pigeon, and two spur-fowls. 1934 ‘G. Orwell’ xiv. 211 Flo [sc. a dog]..came running excitedly up..with the big imperial pigeon in her mouth. 2003 June 63/2 The chestnut-naped imperial pigeon is another Bristol inhabitant with a very restricted range in the wild. 1837 (ed. 13) 18 Imperial Parrot... Psittacus Augustus, Vigors... This is the individual from which Mr. Vigors's description was taken. 1912 16 868 The Imperial Amazon Parrot (Amazona imperialis) of the Island of Dominica. 1983 1 123 The Dominican Forestry Division..had two imperial parrot nests under surveillance for the 1981 season. 2005 Sept. 8/1 (advt.) From the Antilean Crested Hummingbird to the endangered Imperial Parrot. society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > impost, due, or tax > duty on goods > [noun] > on imported goods > systems of 1895 E. Burgis xx. 248 Foreign States which have been partially exploited under our Free Trade policy are..under a policy of wise Protection and Imperial preference on our part, dependent upon the British market for the consumption of their vast surplusses. 1922 XXX. 1016/2 At the end of April [1917] Mr. Bonar Law announced..that the Imperial War Cabinet had accepted the principle of Imperial Preference. 1958 18 Sept. 407/2 Both [sc. Australia and New Zealand] have sought to give foreign suppliers a better competitive position in their own markets by reducing imperial preferences to oil the wheels of reciprocity. 2000 I. Clark i. 8 A series of agreements running from the 1941 Atlantic Charter..to the 1944 Bretton Woods agreement..committed the UK to ending preferential trade arrangements such as Imperial Preference. 1972 27 Aug. 3/1 For nearly a year Dr. Hoan and his wife..have been serving imperial roll, shrimp Mekong and other delicacies to patrons. 1987 21 Oct. (Entertainment section) d5 Our informative waitress said ‘please roll these in lettuce and dip in the sauce’ when she served the imperial rolls. 2004 A. Richman (2005) 96 Late in the afternoon, Ron and I would take the elevator to the roof for beer and an order of Imperial Rolls Saigon style. 1855 II. 269/2 Imperial, Imperial roof or dome. 2004 F. Rémillard & B. Prieur (Ulysses Trav. Guides) 232/2 In the 19th century,..the imperial roofs gave way to two new steeples, bringing the total number of steeples to three. the world > food and drink > drink > tea manufacture > [noun] > types of dry tea > green tea 1699 J. Ovington 13 The third Sort is Bing, or Imperial Tea. 1795 A. Anderson 186 That shrub which bears what is called the Imperial and gunpowder teas. 1892 J. M. Walsh 74 The true Imperial tea..known in China as..the ‘perfection of tea’. 1992 A. Bell tr. M. Toussaint-Samat xx. 604 The best known kinds are gunpowder tea, in which the leaves have been rolled up like beads, and imperial tea, with flat leaves. 1759 J. Townley ii. 40 He has had a Smack of every Sort of Wine, from humble Port to Imperial Tokay. 1826 4 Dec. (advt.) 1 dozen only, Imperial Tokay Wine. 1917 A. Conan Doyle viii. 295 ‘Another glass, Watson!’ said Mr. Sherlock Holmes, as he extended the bottle of Imperial Tokay. 1992 27 Feb. 12/2 He had in his cellar a bottle of Imperial Tokay—the real thing from the Imperial vineyard. the world > food and drink > drink > fruit juice or squash > [noun] > juice with sugar and water 1535Water imperial [see sense A. 9a]. 1580 R. Hakluyt in (1935) i. 154 Cynomom water [and] Imperial water is to be had with you to make a shew of. 1623 G. Markham (rev. ed.) i. ii. 132 (margin) To make the emperiall water. 1769 E. Raffald xv. 307 (heading) To make Imperial Water. 1865 8 112 A bottle of imperial water was left beside the sick person to be used as a drink. 2005 L. Kassell (2007) iii. vi. 155 Occasionally Forman specified a potion or pill, such as his imperial water, strong water, an electuary, or diet drink. 1917 W. J. Simmons Signed His Majesty, William Joseph Simmons, Imperial Wizard, Emperor of the Invisible Empire, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. 1928 6 Oct. ii. 8/1 He [sc. Mussolini] shows himself to be a thoroughly good pal of Imperial Wizard Hiram G. Evans. 1952 1 Aug. 16/2 For conspiracy to flog a Negro woman, the so-called ‘Imperial Wizard’ of the local KKK has been given..four years. 2006 R. Arsenault iv. 158 The Imperial Wizard and his passengers were shocked to discover several local black men writing down the license plate numbers of the Klansmen's cars. society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > clay compositions > baked clay > pottery or ceramics > [noun] > porcelain > porcelain or china of specific colour 1804 J. Barrow vii. 416 (note) Not fewer than forty thousand men had assembled in arms in the province of Canton, at the head of whom was a man of the family of the last Chinese Emperor, who had assumed the Imperial Yellow. 1833 11 489 The Waggon-train corps wears a white uniform, with imperial yellow collar and facings. 1875 22 The Persian turquoise, Imperial yellow, mauve, Celeste, and other enamels present an interesting series. 1884 4 Nov. (Fam. Circle ed.) 260/4 Amongst the favourite colours are imperial yellow, Nile blue. 1885 XIX. 96/1 The arsenical yellow, Orpiment, is now little used as a pigment, although formerly, under such names as King's Yellow, Imperial Yellow, and Chinese Yellow, it was held in high esteem by artists. 1905 K. A. Carl ix. 83 Another army of eunuchs came in..each pair carrying between them trays of Imperial yellow. 1994 P. Berger in M. Weidner 116 A quadrilingual inscription in Chinese, Manchu, Tibetan, and Mongolian written on imperial yellow silk. 2011 13 July 23/1 The first shock at the house..is to find a kitchen that's tomato soup red, giving on to a hall of Chinese imperial yellow. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2014; most recently modified version published online June 2022). <  adj.n.a1393 |
