Reign
/reɪn/noun
The period during which a sovereign occupies the throne.
Did you know?The concept of 'reign' is tied to ancient notions of divine rule, where kings were seen as representatives of the gods on earth.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*reg-
“to rule, to lead”
Latin
Latin
regnare
“to rule, to reign, to be king”
Old French
Old French
reigner
“to reign, to rule as a king or queen”
Middle English
Middle English
reinen
“to rule, to hold sway over”
Modern English
English
reign
“to hold royal office or authority”