Defn: Exercise of authority; control; government; arrangement.
Chaucer. J. H. Newman.
GOVERNANTE
Gov"ern*ante", n. Etym: [F. gouvernante. See Govern.]
Defn: A governess. Sir W. Scott.
GOVERNESS
Gov"ern*ess, n. Etym: [Cf. OF. governeresse. See Governor.]
Defn: A female governor; a woman invested with authority to control and direct; especially, one intrusted with the care and instruction of children, — usually in their homes.
GOVERNING
Gov"ern*ing, a.
1. Holding the superiority; prevalent; controlling; as, a governing wind; a governing party in a state. Jay.
2. (Gram.)
Defn: Requiring a particular case.
GOVERNMENT
Gov"ern*ment, n. Etym: [F. gouvernement. See Govern.]