Gov"ern (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Governed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Governing.] [OF. governer, F. gouverner, fr. L. gubernare to steer, pilot, govern, Gr. . Cf. Gubernatorial.]
1.
To direct and control, as the actions or conduct of men, either by established laws or by arbitrary will; to regulate by authority.
"Fit to
govern and rule multitudes."
Shak.
2.
To regulate; to influence; to direct; to restrain; to manage; as, to govern the life; to govern a horse.
Govern well thy appetite.
Milton.
3. Gram.
To require to be in a particular case; as, a transitive verb governs a noun in the objective case; or to require (a particular case); as, a transitive verb governs the objective case.
© Webster 1913.
Gov"ern, v. i.
To exercise authority; to administer the laws; to have the control.
Dryden.
© Webster 1913.