n. [ OE. tirannye, OF. tirannie, F. tyrannie; cf. It. tirannia; Gr. tyranni`a, tyranni`s, 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. [ 1913 Webster ] “Sir, ” would he [ Seneca ] say, “an emperor mote need Be virtuous and hate tyranny.” Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Cruel government or discipline; as, the tyranny of a schoolmaster. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Severity; rigor; inclemency. [ 1913 Webster ] The tyranny of the open night's too rough For nature to endure. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] |