Reign — Defs

01 n. Royal authority; supreme power; sovereignty; rule; dominion.

1.
Royal authority; supreme power; sovereignty; rule; dominion.
“He who like a father held his reign.” — Pope.

“Saturn's sons received the threefold reign Of heaven, of ocean, and deep hell beneath.” — Prior.
2.
The territory or sphere which is reigned over; kingdom; empire; realm; dominion.[Obs.]
“[God] him bereft the regne that he had.” — Chaucer.
3.
The time during which a king, queen, or emperor possesses the supreme authority; as, it happened in the reign of Elizabeth.

02 v. i. To possess or exercise sovereign power or authority; to exercise government, as a king or emperor;; to hold supreme power; to rule.

imp. & p. p. Reigned; p. pr. & vb. n. Reigning

1.
To possess or exercise sovereign power or authority; to exercise government, as a king or emperor;; to hold supreme power; to rule.
“We will not have this man to reign over us.” — Luke xix. 14.

“Shall Banquo's issue ever Reign in this kingdom?” — Shak.
2.
Hence, to be predominant; to prevail.
3.
To have superior or uncontrolled dominion; to rule.
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body.” — Rom. vi. 12.

Syn. To rule; govern; direct; control; prevail.