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reign definition

reign (rān)

noun

  1. royal power, authority, or rule; sovereignty
  2. dominance, prevalence, or sway the reign of good will
  3. the period of rule, dominance, sway, etc.

Etymology: ME regne < OFr < L regnum < regere, to rule: see right

intransitive verb

    1. to rule as a sovereign
    2. to hold the title of sovereign, as in a constitutional monarchy
  1. to hold sway; prevail or predominate when peace reigns

Etymology: ME regnen < OFr regner < L regnare, to rule < regnum

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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