REIGN, rane. L. regno, a derivative of rego, regnum.
1. To possess or exercise sovereign power or authority to rule to exercise government, as a king or emperor or to hold the supreme power. George the third reigned over Great Britain more than fifty years.
Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness. Isaiah 32 .
2. To be predominant to prevail.
Pestilent diseases which commonly reign in summer or autumn.
3. To rule to have superior or uncontrolled dominion. Romans 6 .
This word is never applied to the exercise of supreme power by a legislative body or the executive administration, in the United States.
REIGN, n. rane. L. regnum.
1. Royal authority supreme power sovereignty.
He who like a father held his reign.
2. The time during which a king, queen or emperor possesses the supreme authority. The Spanish armada was equipped to invade England in the reign of queen Elizabeth. Magna Charta was obtained in the reign of king John.
3. Kingdom dominion.
Saturn's sons received the threefold reign of heav'n, of ocean, and deep hell beneath.
4. Power influence.
5. Prevalence.