Webster's English Dictionary

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peremptory

Cross references:
  1. masterful             
 
pe.remp.to.ry \p*-'rem(p)-t(*-)re-\ aj [LL & L; LL peremptorius, fr. L, 
   destructive, fr. peremptus, pp. of] perimere to take entirely, destroy, fr. 
   per- to destruction + emere to take - more at REDEEM 1a: putting an end to 
   or precluding a right of action, debate, or delay  1b: ABSOLUTE, FINAL  2: 
   expressive of urgency or command : IMPERATIVE {~ tone> 3a: marked by 
   self-assurance : POSITIVE  3b: DECISIVE  4: HAUGHTY, DICTATORIAL