Definition of imperial

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im·pe·ri·al    (m-pîr-l) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Of, relating to, or suggestive of an empire or a sovereign, especially an emperor or empress: imperial rule; the imperial palace.
2. Ruling over extensive territories or over colonies or dependencies: imperial nations.
3. 1. Having supreme authority; sovereign.
   2. Regal; majestic.
4. Outstanding in size or quality.
5. Of or belonging to the British Imperial System of weights and measures.

NOUN:

1. An emperor or empress.
2. The top of a carriage.
3. Something outstanding in size or quality.
4. A variable size of paper, usually 23 by 33 inches (55.8 by 83.8 centimeters).
5. A pointed beard grown from the lower lip and chin.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin imperilis, from imperium, command ; see empire. N., sense 5, after the beard of Napoleon III

OTHER FORMS:
im·peri·al·ly(Adverb)