[im.pe.ri.ous] adj [L imperiosus, fr. imperium] (1540) 1: befitting or characteristic of one of eminent rank or attainments: commanding, dominant "an ~ manner" b: marked by arrogant assurance: domineering
2: intensely compelling: urgent "the ~ problems of the new age --J. F. Kennedy" syn see masterful -- im.pe.ri.ous.ly adv -- im.pe.ri.ous.ness n