REIGN • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Reign

Add this Dictionary
to your website!
See more options...

/reɪn/ Listen

noun

Reign n.

Royal authority; supreme power; sovereignty; rule; dominion. "He who like a father held his reign." "Saturn's sons received the threefold reign Of heaven, of ocean, and deep hell beneath."

The territory or sphere which is reigned over; kingdom; empire; realm; dominion. (Obs.) "(God) him bereft the regne that he had."

The time during which a king, queen, or emperor possesses the supreme authority; as, it happened in the reign of Elizabeth.

verb

Reign v. i. (past & past part. reigned; pres. part. reigning)

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." "Shall Banquo's issue ever Reign in this kingdom?"

Hence, to be predominant; to prevail. "Pestilent diseases which commonly reign in summer."

To have superior or uncontrolled dominion; to rule. "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body."

Synonyms: To rule; govern; direct; control; prevail.

See images of 'Reign'

Etymology of 'Reign'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

Share |

"Reign" Quotes from Famous Books

... with these demons By feeding and clothing them well: I'd as soon think an angel from Heaven Would reign with ...

— The Life of Hon. William F. Cody - Known as Buffalo Bill The Famous Hunter, Scout and Guide • William F. Cody

... said that she was a good woman, and now I am convinced of it," said the Knight. "Father Nicholas has done his best to spoil her, but, thank Heaven! he has not succeeded, and his reign is pretty ...

— Count Ulrich of Lindburg - A Tale of the Reformation in Germany • W.H.G. Kingston

... I have seen of the Parisians, I am convinced that they require, if not a despot, at least an absolute monarch to reign over them; but, leaving national character to shift for itself, I will go on with what will interest you more—our own history. We have been much pleased, interested, and instructed at Paris by all that we have seen of the arts, have heard of science, and have ...

— The Life And Letters Of Maria Edgeworth, Vol. 1 • Maria Edgeworth

... not endure aristocracy. This is true at all times, and especially true in our own. All men and all powers seeking to cope with this irresistible passion, will be overthrown and destroyed by it. In our age, freedom cannot be established without it, and despotism itself cannot reign without its support. ...

— Democracy In America, Volume 2 (of 2) • Alexis de Tocqueville

... that the reign of universal peace will deprive them of the opportunity of exhibiting daring and heroism. Without inquiring too carefully what use has been made of their present opportunities by those who express ...

— The Task of Social Hygiene • Havelock Ellis

More quotes...