Reign (r?n), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Reigned (r?nd);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Reigning.]
[OE. regnen, reinen, OF. regner, F. régner, fr. L.
regnare, fr. regnum. See Reign, n.]
1. To possess or exercise sovereign power or authority; to exercise government, as a king or emperor;; to hold supreme power; to rule. Chaucer.
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. "Pestilent
diseases which commonly
reign in summer." Bacon.
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.
Reign (rān),
n. [OE. regne, OF. reigne, regne, F. règne, fr. L. regnum,
fr. rex, regis, a king, fr. regere to guide, rule. See Regal, Regimen.]
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.] Spenser.
[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.
Hear it pronounced