n.1 the act or manner of governing.
2 the system by which a State or community is governed.
3 a a body of persons governing a State. b (usu. Government) a particular ministry in office.
4 the State as an agent.
5 Gram. the relation between a governed and a governing word.
Phrases and idioms:
Government House the official residence of a governor. government issue US (of equipment) provided by the government. government paper (or securities) bonds etc. issued by the government. government surplus unused equipment sold by the government.
Derivatives:
governmental adj. governmentally adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF governement (as GOVERN)