Tyr"an*ny (?), n. [OE. tirannye, OF. tirannie, F. tyrannie; cf. It. tirannia; Gr. , , L. 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.
© Webster 1913. | 
