Dictionary-Definition.com :: Monarch definition

Definition of 'monarch'

noun

A nation's ruler or head of state usually by hereditary right [syn: sovereign, crowned head, monarch]

noun

Large migratory American butterfly having deep orange wings with black and white markings; the larvae feed on milkweed [syn: monarch, monarch butterfly, milkweed butterfly, Danaus plexippus]

From: GCIDE

Monarch \Mon"arch\, n. [F. monarque, L. monarcha, fr. Gr. ?, ?; mo`nos alone + ? to be first, rule, govern. See Archi-.]
1. A sole or supreme ruler; a sovereign; the highest ruler; an emperor, king, queen, prince, or chief. [1913 Webster]
He who reigns Monarch in heaven, . . . upheld by old repute. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
2. One superior to all others of the same kind; as, an oak is called the monarch of the forest. [1913 Webster]
3. A patron deity or presiding genius. [1913 Webster]
Come, thou, monarch of the vine, Plumpy Bacchus. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
4. (Zool.) A very large red and black butterfly ({Danais Plexippus}); -- called also milkweed butterfly and monarch butterfly. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Monarch \Mon"arch\, a. Superior to others; preeminent; supreme; ruling. "Monarch savage." --Pope. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

monarch butterfly \mon"arch but"ter*fly\, n. (Zool.) A very large red and black butterfly (Danais Plexippus) having striking orange-brown wings with black veins in a reticulated pattern; -- called also milkweed butterfly and monarch. Its larvae feed on the leaves of the milkweed. [1913 Webster +PJC]