Category:Tyranny

Tyr"an*ny, n. Etym: [oe. tirannye, of. tirannie, f. tyrannie; cf. It. Tirannia; gr. tyrannis. See tyrant.]

1. The government or authority of a tyrant; a country governed by an Absolute ruler; hence, arbitrary or despotic exercise of power; Exercise of power over subjects and others with a rigor not Authorized by law or justice, or not requisite for the purposes of Government. "sir," would he [seneca] say, "an emperor mote need be virtuous and Hate tyranny." Chaucer.

2. Cruel government or discipline; as, the tyranny of a schoolmaster.

3. Severity; rigor; inclemency. The tyranny of the open night's too rough for nature to endure. Shak.