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. [ 1913 Webster ]

I praised and honored him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion. Dan. iv. 34. [ 1913 Webster ]

To choose between dominion or slavery. Jowett (Thucyd. ). [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Superior prominence; predominance; ascendency. [ 1913 Webster ]

Objects placed foremost ought . . . have dominion over things confused and transient. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. pl. A supposed high order of angels; dominations. See Domination, 3. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

. In Canada, a legal holiday, July lst, being the anniversary of the proclamation of the formation of the Dominion in 1867. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

. Virginia; -- a name of uncertain origin, perh. from the old designation of the colony as “the Colony and Dominion of Virginia.” [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]