Do*min"ion (?), 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.
I praised and honored him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion.
Dan. iv. 34.
To choose between dominion or slavery.
Jowett (Thucyd. ).
2.
Superior prominence; predominance; ascendency.
Objects placed foremost ought . . . have dominion over things confused and transient.
Dryden.
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.
4. pl.
A supposed high order of angels; dominations. See Domination, 3.
Milton.
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.
© Webster 1913.