regnant
[reg-nuh nt]
- reigning; ruling (usually used following the noun it modifies): a queen regnant.
- exercising authority, rule, or influence.
- prevalent; widespread.
Show More
Origin of regnant
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for regnant
Historical Examples
It was urged that Nero was then regnant when this command of non-resistance was given.
Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies)John Howie
Even a mild admonition from the regnant Pope had failed to produce any effect.
The Shadow of the CzarJohn R. Carling
It was the regnant minority which rushed the South into secession.
The ArenaVarious
His regnant desires, by which his worthy little life was governed, were to love and to please.
Lords of the HousetopsVarious
In the regnant silence she rose, laid aside her book, softly opened the door, and stepped as softly into the narrow passage.
There and BackGeorge MacDonald
regnant
- (postpositive) reigning
- prevalent; current
Show More
Word Origin
C17: from Latin regnāre to reign
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for regnant
adj.
"reigning, exercising authority," c.1600, from Latin regnantem (nominative regnans) "reigning," present participle stem of regnare "to reign" (see reign). Adjective regnal (1610s) means "pertaining to a reign," especially in reference to the day or year a reign began.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper