Do*min"ion (?), n. [LL. dominio,
equiv. to L. dominium. See Domain, Dungeon.]
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. 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.
