Govern

guv'grn, v. t. [-erned (-ernd), -erning.] To regulate by authority; to influence, direct, manage. {Gram.) To require to be in a particular case. — v. i. To exercise authority, administer the laws, have' the control. — Governor, -er, n. One who governs; esp., a chief ruler or magistrate; a tutor, guardian. {Naut.) A pilot. {Mach.) A contrivance connected with mills, steam-engines, etc., to maintain uniform velocity with a varying resistance: see Steam Engine.— Gov'erne , n. A female governor; an instructre . — Gov/emante/, -ant', n. A lady in charge of young women; a governe . — Government, n. Act of governing; exer- Oovernor. cise of authority; restraint; regulation; the system of polity in a state; established form of law; right or power of governing; authority; the ruling power the administration; a commonwealth; state. {Gram.) The influence of a word in regard to construction. — Gov'ernmenfal, a. Pert, to, or made by government.