WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : King"dom
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [AS. cyningd. See 2d King, and -dom.]
Definition : 1. The rank, quality, state, or attributes of a king; royal authority; sovereign power; rule; dominion; monarchy. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. Ps. cxiv. 13. When Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself. 2 Chron. xxi. 4.

2. The territory or country subject to a king or queen; the dominion of a monarch; the sphere in which one is king or has control. Unto the kingdom of perpetual night. Shak. You're welcome, Most learned reverend sir, into our kingdom. Shak.

3. An extensive scientific division distinguished by leading or ruling characteristics; a principal division; a department; as, the mineral kingdom. "The animal and vegetable kingdoms." Locke. Animal kingdom. See under Animal. -- Kingdom of God. (a) The universe. (b) That spiritual realm of which God is the acknowledged sovereign. (c) The authority or dominion of God. -- Mineral kingdom. See under Mineral. -- United Kingdom. See under United. -- Vegetable kingdom. See under Vegetable.

Syn. -- Realm; empire; dominion; monarchy; sovereignty; domain.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913