v.
1. a tr. rule or control (a State, subject, etc.) with authority; conduct the policy and affairs of (an organization etc.). b intr. be in government.
2 a tr. influence or determine (a person or a course of action). b intr. be the predominating influence.
3 tr. be a standard or principle for; constitute a law for; serve to decide (a case).
4 tr. check or control (esp. passions).
5 tr. Gram. (esp. of a verb or preposition) have (a noun or pronoun or its case) depending on it.
6 tr. be in military command of (a fort, town).
Phrases and idioms:
governing body the managers of an institution.
Derivatives:
governable adj. governability n. governableness n.
Etymology: ME f. OF governer f. L gubernare steer, rule f. Gk kubernao