dominion Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun dominance or power through legal authority
rule.
- France held undisputed dominion over vast areas of Africa
- the rule of Caesar
noun a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
territory; territorial dominion; district.
noun one of the self-governing nations in the British Commonwealth

LL. dominio, equiv. to L. dominium. See Domain, Dungeon.

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