v. & n.
--v.intr.
1. hold royal office; be king or queen.
2 prevail; hold sway (confusion reigns).
3 (as reigning adj.) (of a winner, champion, etc.) currently holding the title etc.
--n.
1. sovereignty, rule.
2 the period during which a sovereign rules.
Etymology: ME f. OF reigne kingdom f. L regnare f. rex regis king