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.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.