reign

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the period during which a monarch is sovereign

   during the reign of Henry VIII

2. 2
   noun

   a period during which something or somebody is dominant or powerful

   We were helpless under the reign of our egotism.

3. 3
   verb

   have sovereign power

   Henry VIII reigned for a long time

4. 4
   verb

   be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

   Money reigns supreme here

5. 5
   noun

   The exercise of sovereign power.

   England prospered under Elizabeth I's reign.

6. 6
   noun

   The period during which a monarch rules.

   The reign of Victoria was a long one.

7. 7
   noun

   The territory or sphere over which a kingdom; empire; realm; dominion, etc. is ruled.

   And the Fox guileful, and most covetous; / That neither pleased was, to have the reign / Twixt them divided into even twain

8. 8
   verb

   To exercise sovereign power, to rule as a monarch.

   He reigned in an autocratic manner.

Etymology

From Middle English regnen, from Old French reignier, from the Latin verb rēgnō, and the noun rēgnum. Doublet of regnum. Displaced native Old English rīċe (“a reign”) and ricsian (“to reign”).