Part 703

Em"pire (?), n. [F., fr. L. imperium a command, sovereignty, dominion, empire, fr. imperare. See Emperor; cf. Imperial.] 1. Supreme power; sovereignty; sway; dominion. "The empire of the sea." Shak.

Over hell extend His empire, and with iron scepter rule.

Milton.

2. The dominion of an emperor; the territory or countries under the jurisdiction and dominion of an emperor (rarely of a king), usually of greater extent than a kingdom, always comprising a variety in the nationality of, or the forms of administration in, constituent and subordinate portions; as, the Austrian empire.

Empire carries with it the idea of a vast and complicated government.

C. J. Smith.

3. Any dominion; supreme control; governing influence; rule; sway; as, the empire of mind or of reason. "Under the empire of facts." M. Arnold.

Another force which, in the Middle Ages, shared with chivalry the empire over the minds of men.

A. W. Ward.

Celestial empire. See under Celestial. -- Empire City, a common designation of the city of New York. -- Empire State, a common designation of the State of New York.

Syn. -- Sway; dominion; rule; control; reign; sovereignty; government; kingdom; realm; state.

Em*pir"ic (?; 277), n. [L. empiricus an empiric, Gr. &?; experienced, equiv. to &?;; &?; in + &?; a trial, experiment; akin to &?; ford, way, and E. fare: cf. F. empirique. See In, and Fare.] 1. One who follows an empirical method; one who relies upon practical experience.

2. One who confines himself to applying the results of mere experience or his own observation; especially, in medicine, one who deviates from the rules of science and regular practice; an ignorant and unlicensed pretender; a quack; a charlatan.

Among the Greek physicians, those who founded their practice on experience called themselves empirics.

Krauth-Fleming.

Swallow down opinions as silly people do empirics' pills.

Locke.

{ Em*pir"ic (?), Em*pir"ic*al (?), } a. 1. Pertaining to, or founded upon, experiment or experience; depending upon the observation of phenomena; versed in experiments.

In philosophical language, the term empirical means simply what belongs to or is the product of experience or observation.

Sir W. Hamilton.

The village carpenter . . . lays out his work by empirical rules learnt in his apprenticeship.

H. Spencer.

2. Depending upon experience or observation alone, without due regard to science and theory; -- said especially of medical practice, remedies, etc.; wanting in science and deep insight; as, empiric skill, remedies.

Empirical formula. (Chem.) See under Formula.

Syn. -- See Transcendental.

Em*pir"ic*al*ly, adv. By experiment or experience; without science; in the manner of quacks.

Em*pir"i*cism (?), n. 1. The method or practice of an empiric; pursuit of knowledge by observation and experiment.

2. Specifically, a practice of medicine founded on mere experience, without the aid of science or a knowledge of principles; ignorant and unscientific practice; charlatanry; quackery.