emprses

Emprise, and its plural emprises, is a noun of French origin used in English with several related senses. The most common modern sense is influence or hold over a person or thing—a power or controlling influence. It can also designate an undertaking or enterprise; in this sense, emprise is now relatively rare and often found in literary or historical contexts. In older or more literal usage, emprise can also refer to a grasp or taking hold, reflecting its root sense of seizing or holding.

In historical or literary English, emprise often carries a tone of formality or antiquity. It is less common in contemporary prose, where more everyday terms such as influence, control, grip, hold, or enterprise are typically used. In French usage, emprise broadly covers influence or hold, and the plural emprises is used for multiple such instances.

Etymology: The word derives from Old French emprise, linked to a root associated with taking, seizing, or undertaking. The sense of taking hold or undertaking a venture underpins both the grasp and the enterprise meanings in English.

Usage notes: Because emprise is uncommon today, writers usually substitute clearer terms unless a historical or stylistic effect is desired. The term may appear in translations of French texts or in discussions of literature, history, or law where a formal register is appropriate.

Common misspelling: The string "emprses" does not correspond to a standard English word. It may be a misspelling of "emprise" or "emprises" or, in some contexts, of "empresses" (the plural of "empress").