Reign (r?n), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Reigned (r?nd); p. pr. & vb. n.Reigning.] [OE. regnen, reinen, OF. regner, F. régner, fr. L. regnare, fr. regnum. See Reign, n.] 1. To possess or exercise sovereign power or authority; to exercise government, as a king or emperor;; to hold supreme power; to rule. Chaucer.
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.” Bacon.
3. To have superior or uncontrolled dominion; to rule.
Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body. Rom. vi. 12.
Syn. — To rule; govern; direct; control; prevail.