ˈworld-power
[After G. weltmacht.]
1. The power of ‘this world’ (as distinguished from the spiritual world); secular power.
| 1866 Baring-Gould Cur. Myths Mid. Ages, Antichr. & Pope Joan 159 Christ will descend to avenge the blood of the saints, by destroying Antichrist and the world-power. 1884 Expositor Feb. 89 To crush the heathen world-power, and thereby abolish idolatry. |
2. Any of the powers (nations, empires) that dominate the world. Also transf. of a person.
| 1860 Pusey Min. Proph. 409 He has, like all great world-powers, a real dignity and majesty. 1900 Congress Rec. 29 Jan. 1259/1 We have become a ‘world power’. 1901 B. Harrison in N. Amer. Rev. Feb. 184 If the World Powers have any recognized creed, it is that it is their duty as ‘trustees for humanity’ to take over the territories of all the weak and decaying nations. 1904 J. Gairdner in Camb. Mod. Hist. II. xiii. 472 The foundation of England's greatness as a world-power. |