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.
Cruel government or discipline; as, the tyranny of a schoolmaster.
Severity; rigor; inclemency. The tyranny of the open night's too rough For nature to endure. Shak.
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