ˌHoly ˌRoman ˈEmpire, the BrE AmE
a group of European states which included parts of France, Germany, Austria, and Italy, and which were ruled by an ↑ emperor . It was established by Charlemagne in 800, and continued until 1806. For most of the period from the 13th century to the 19th century, its ruling family were the Hapsburgs.