An emperor (through Old French empereor from Latin imperator) is a (male) monarch, usually the sovereign ruler of an empire or another type of imperial realm. Empress, the female equivalent, may indicate an emperor's wife (empress consort), mother (empress dowager), or a woman who rules in her own right (empress regnant). Emperors are generally recognized to be of a higher honor and rank than kings.
Currently, the Emperor of Japan is the only reigning monarch with the title.
Read more about Emperor: Distinction From Other Monarchs, Roman Tradition, Ottoman Empire, Holy Roman Empire, Austrian Empire, Emperors of Eastern Europe, Pre-Columbian Traditions, Persia, Indian Subcontinent, Oceania, Fictional Uses
Famous quotes containing the word emperor:
“Even the emperor has straw-sandaled relatives.”
—Chinese proverb.
“Such is the caprice of Romans ... who reject kings in name but not in practice, and accept an Emperor mightier than a hundred kings.”
—Pierre Corneille (1606–1684)
“In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.”
—Bible: New Testament, Luke 2:1.