King James Bible Dictionary

REIGN, verb intransitive rane. [Latin 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 32:1.

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 6:12.

[This word is never applied to the exercise of supreme power by a legislative body or the executive administration, in the United States.]

REIGN, noun rane. [Latin 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.

REIGNING, participle present tense ra'ning.

1. Holding or exercising supreme power; ruling; governing as king, queen or emperor.

2. adjective Predominating; prevailing; as a reigning vice or disease.