A commander; a leader; an emperor; -- originally an
   appellation of honor by which Roman soldiers saluted their general
   after an important victory. Subsequently the title was conferred as a
   recognition of great military achievements by the senate, whence it
   carried wiht it some special privileges. After the downfall of the
   Republic it was assumed by Augustus and his successors, and came to
   have the meaning now attached to the word emperor.