imperium in imperio

imperium in imperio

Latin

Etymology

Calque of Ancient Greek κράτος εν κράτει (krátos en krátei).

Noun

imperium in imperiō n (genitive imperiī in imperiō); second declension

1. A state within a state, inclusive of deep states or other forces which operate with sovereign-like impunity within a polity
   • 1872, James Legge translating Confucius as The Ch‘un Ts‘ew, Prolegomena, Ch. iii, p. 116:

     ...the system of presiding chiefs... was most anomalous,—an imperium in imperio,—and weakened the bond of loyal attachment to the throne. Of what use were the kings of Chow, if they could not do their proper work of government, but must be continually devolving it on one or other of their vassals?

Inflection

Second declension (plural "states within a state"). Case Singular Plural Nominative imperium in imperiō imperia in imperiō Genitive imperiī in imperiō imperiōrum in imperiō Dative imperiō in imperiō imperiīs in imperiō Accusative imperium in imperiō imperia in imperiō Ablative imperiō in imperiō imperiīs in imperiō Vocative imperium in imperiō imperia in imperiō

Second declension (plural "states within states"). Case Plural Nominative imperia in imperiīs Genitive imperiōrum in imperiīs Dative imperiīs in imperiīs Accusative imperia in imperiīs Ablative imperiīs in imperiīs Vocative imperia in imperiīs

Synonyms

• status in statū

References

• "imperium in imperio" in Black's Law Dictionary, 2nd ed.