governv. t.[OF. governer, F. gouverner, fr. L. gubernare to steer, pilot, govern, Gr. kyberna^n. Cf. Gubernatorial.]1. To direct and control, as the actions or conduct of men, either by established laws or by arbitrary will; to regulate by authority.(Shak.)2. To regulate; to influence; to direct; to restrain; to manage; as, to govern the life; to govern a horse.()Govern well thy appetite. (Milton.)3. (Gram.) To require to be in a particular case; as, a transitive verb governs a noun in the objective case; or to require (a particular case); as, a transitive verb governs the objective case.()v. i. To exercise authority; to administer the laws; to have the control.(Dryden.)