(n)a Turkish sultanate of southwestern Asia and northeastern Africa and southeastern Europe; created by the Ottoman Turks in the 13th century and lasted until the end of World War I; although initially small it expanded until it superseded the Byzantine Empire, Syn.Turkish Empire
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
a. [ F. ottoman: cf. It. ottomano, ottomanno; -- from Othoman, Othman, or Osman, the name of a sultan who assumed the government of Turkey about the year 1300. Cf. Osmanli, Ottoman a stuffed seat. ] Of or pertaining to the Turks; as, the Ottoman power or empire. [ 1913 Webster ]