Emperor
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
an officer. ‘This word is synonymous with the latin — tmperator, they are both derived from the verb imperare. Literally it signifies, he who commands. Under the Roman republic, the title of emperor was the generic name given to the commanders-in-chief in the armies. But even then the application of the word was restrained to the successful commander who was declared emperor by the acclamations of the army, and was afterwards honoured with this title by a decree of the senate. It is now used to designate some sovereign prince who bears this title. Ayl. Pand. tit.
23.