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Reign Reign (r[=a]n), n. [OE. regne, OF. reigne, regne, F. r[`e]gne, fr. L. regnum, fr. rex, regis, a king, fr. regere to guide, rule. See Regal, Regimen.] 1. Royal authority; supreme power; sovereignty; rule; dominion. [1913 Webster]

He who like a father held his reign. --Pope. [1913 Webster]

Saturn s sons received the threefold reign Of heaven, of ocean, and deep hell beneath. --Prior. [1913 Webster]

2. The territory or sphere which is reigned over; kingdom; empire; realm; dominion. [Obs.] --Spenser. [1913 Webster]

[God] him bereft the regne that he had. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

3. The time during which a king, queen, or emperor possesses the supreme authority; as, it happened in the reign of Elizabeth. [1913 Webster]

Reign Reign (r?n), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Reigned (r?nd); p. pr. & vb. n. Reigning.] [OE. regnen, reinen, OF. regner, F. r[ e]gner, 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. [1913 Webster]

We will not have this man to reign over us. --Luke xix. 14. [1913 Webster]

Shall Banquo s issue ever Reign in this kingdom? --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2. Hence, to be predominant; to prevail. ``Pestilent diseases which commonly reign in summer. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

3. To have superior or uncontrolled dominion; to rule. [1913 Webster]

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body. --Rom. vi. 12. [1913 Webster]

Syn: To rule; govern; direct; control; prevail. [1913 Webster]