Tyr"an*ny (?), n. [OE. tirannye, OF. tirannie, F. tyrannie; cf. It. tirannia; Gr. &?;, &?;, L. tyrannis. See Tyrant.] 1. The government or authority of a tyrant; a country governed by an absolute ruler; hence, arbitrary or despotic exercise of power; exercise of power over subjects and others with a rigor not authorized by law or justice, or not requisite for the purposes of government.

"Sir," would he [Seneca] say, "an emperor mote need
Be virtuous and hate tyranny."

2. Cruel government or discipline; as, the tyranny of a schoolmaster.

3. Severity; rigor; inclemency.

The tyranny of the open night's too rough
For nature to endure.

Tyr"an*ny (?), n. [OE. tirannye, OF. tirannie, F. tyrannie; cf. It. tirannia; Gr. &?;, &?;, L. tyrannis. See Tyrant.] 1. The government or authority of a tyrant; a country governed by an absolute ruler; hence, arbitrary or despotic exercise of power; exercise of power over subjects and others with a rigor not authorized by law or justice, or not requisite for the purposes of government.

"Sir," would he [Seneca] say, "an emperor mote need
Be virtuous and hate tyranny."

2. Cruel government or discipline; as, the tyranny of a schoolmaster.

3. Severity; rigor; inclemency.

The tyranny of the open night's too rough
For nature to endure.

• A government in which a single ruler has absolute power
  
• The office or jurisdiction of an absolute ruler
  
• Absolute power, or its use
  
• Extreme severity or rigour