(?), n. [F. gouvernement. See Govern.] 1.
The act of governing; the exercise of authority; the administration of laws; control; direction; regulation; as, civil, church, or family government.
[1913 Webster]
2.
The mode of governing; the system of polity in a state; the established form of law.
[1913 Webster]
-That free government which we have so dearly purchased, free commonwealth. Milton.
[1913 Webster]
3.
The right or power of governing; authority.
[1913 Webster]
-I here resign my government to thee. Shak.
[1913 Webster]
4.
The person or persons authorized to administer the laws; the ruling power; the administration.
[1913 Webster]
-When we, in England, speak of the government, we generally understand the ministers of the crown for the time being. Mozley & W.
[1913 Webster]
5.
The body politic governed by one authority; a state; as, the governments of Europe.
[1913 Webster]
6.
Management of the limbs or body. Shak.
[1913 Webster]
7. (Gram.)
The influence of a word in regard to construction, requiring that another word should be in a particular case.
[1913 Webster]
:
- 