regnant

[prettygoodword]

regnant (REG-nuhnt) - adj., (of a monarch, used postpositively) ruling in one's own right; ruling, holding power, exercising power or influence; widespread, prevalent.


I don't often grouch about altered meanings, but that last sense feels like a dilution that takes away from the word's power. Wu Zetian, Hatshepsut, and Elizabeth I are famous examples of an empress/pharaoh/queen regnant, rulers themselves rather than having a title through being the ruler's wife. Dates to the 1590s, from Middle French regnant/régnant, from Latin Latin rēgnāns (stem form rēgnant-), the present participle of regnāre, to rule (as a monarch), from rēx, king.

---L.

Comments

[full_metal_ox]

Himiko, the founding mother of what would eventually become Japan, also comes to mind (unfortunately, almost all of what we know about her comes via unsympathetic Chinese commentators.)