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reign

1. 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. (Luke xix. 14) Shall Banquo's issue ever Reign in this kingdom? (Shak)

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

3. To have superior or uncontrolled dominion; to rule. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body. (Rom. Vi. 12)

Synonym: To rule, govern, direct, control, prevail.

Origin: OE. Regnen, reinen, OF. Regner, F. Regner, fr. L. Regnare, fr. Regnum. See Reign.