WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Do*min"ion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [LL. dominio, equiv. to L. dominium. See Domain, Dungeon.]
Definition : 1. Sovereign or supreme authority; the power of governing and controlling; independent right of possession, use, and control; sovereignty; supremacy. I praised and honored him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion. Dan. iv. 34. To choose between dominion or slavery. Jowett (Thucyd. ).

2. Superior prominence; predominance; ascendency. Objects placed foremost ought . . . have dominion over things confused and transient. Dryden.

3. That which is governed; territory over which authority is exercised; the tract, district, or county, considered as subject; as, the dominions of a king. Also used figuratively; as, the dominion of the passions.

4. pl.

Defn: A supposed high order of angels; dominations. See Domination, 3. Milton. By him were all things created . . . whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. Col. i. 16.

Syn. -- Sovereignty; control; rule; authority; jurisdiction; government; territory; district; region.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913