Celestial Empire

American  

noun

1. the former Chinese Empire.

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Celestial Empire British  

noun

1. an archaic or literary name for the Chinese Empire

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Etymology

Origin of Celestial Empire

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

The two books attempt to erase any lingering misconceptions about the once Celestial Empire.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Opium War was fought, Hong Kong gained, extraterritorial concessions yanked from the declining Celestial Empire.

From Time Magazine Archive

Some observers see in Red China merely a more ruthless version of the Celestial Empire.

From Time Magazine Archive

Under its succession of imperial dynasties, the Chinese defined the world as "all under heaven" and themselves as celestials of the Celestial Empire.

From Time Magazine Archive

The high-class, fancy teas of China are prepared by special manipulation and for the use of wealthy families in the Celestial Empire and are therefore never exported to other countries.

From Breakfasts and Teas Novel Suggestions for Social Occasions by Pierce, Paul