Dominion 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. A supposed high order of angels; dominations. See Domination. "By him were all things created . . . Whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers." (Col. I. 16)

Synonyms: Sovereignty, control, rule, authority, jurisdiction, government, territory, district, region.

Origin: LL. Dominio, equiv. To L. Dominium. See Domain, Dungeon.

(01 Mar 1998)