Son of Heaven; emperor; celestial king
Meanings
3 senses · 6 examplesnoun
Son of Heaven; emperor (archaic title for the monarch)
archaicHistorically used as a title or reference for the emperor, emphasizing his divine mandate.
The Son of Heaven decreed a general amnesty for the empire.
The officials paid homage to the emperor.
noun
title assumed by Hong Xiuquan, leader of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom
Specific historical reference to the Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864). Hong Xiuquan established the "Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace" and proclaimed himself the Heavenly King.
Hong Xiuquan proclaimed himself the Heavenly King of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.
The ruins of the Heavenly King's Palace are in Nanjing.
noun
celestial king; certain deities or gods in mythology and folk religion
Often used in religious contexts, particularly Buddhism (e.g., the Four Heavenly Kings) and Chinese folk religion.
The Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhism guard the four directions.
Legend says the Heavenly King descended to save all sentient beings.