Im*pe"ri*ous (?), a. [L. imperiosus: cf. F. impérieux. See Imperial.] 1. Commanding; ascendant; imperial; lordly; majestic. [Obs.] "A vast and imperious mind." Tilloison.

Therefore, great lords, be, as your titles witness,
Imperious.

2. Haughly; arrogant; overbearing; as, an imperious tyrant; an imperious manner.

This imperious man will work us all
From princes into pages.

His bold, contemptuous, and imperious spirit soon made him conspicuous.

3. Imperative; urgent; compelling.

Imperious need, which can not be withstood.

Syn. -- Dictatorial; haughty; domineering; overbearing; lordly; tyrannical; despotic; arrogant; imperative; authoritative; commanding; pressing. -- Imperious, Lordly, Domineering. One who is imperious exercises his authority in a manner highly offensive for its spirit and tone; one who is lordly assumes a lofty air in order to display his importance; one who is domineering gives orders in a way to make others feel their inferiority.

• Arrogant, domineering or overbearing
  
• (obsolete) Imperial or regal