- reign (n.)
- early 13c., "kingdom," from Old French reigne, from Latin regnum "kingship, dominion, rule, realm," related to regere (see regal). Meaning "period of rule" first recorded mid-14c.
- reign (v.)
- "to hold or exercise sovereign power," late 13c., from Old French regner, from Latin regnare, from regnum (see reign (n.)). Related: Reigned; reigning.