[pe.remp.to.ry] adj [LL & L; LL peremptorius, fr. L, destructive, fr. perimere to take entirely, destroy, fr. per- thoroughly + emere to take--more at redeem] (15c) 1 a: putting an end to or precluding a right of action, debate, or delay "a ~ mandamus" b: admitting of no contradiction "a ~ conclusion based on absolute evidence"
2: expressive of urgency or command "a ~ call" 3 a: characterized by often imperious or arrogant self-assurance "how insolent of late he is become, how proud, how ~ --Shak." b: indicative of a peremptory attitude or nature: haughty "a ~ tone" "~ disregard of an objection" syn see masterful -- pe.remp.to.ri.ly adv -- pe.remp.to.ri.ness n