TYR'ANNY, noun 1. Arbitrary or despotic exercise of power; the exercise of power over subjects and others with a rigor not authorized by law or justice, or not requisite for the purposes of government. Hence tyranny is often synonymous with cruelty and oppression. 2. Cruel government or discipline; as the tyranny of a master. 3. Unresisted and cruel power. 4. Absolute monarchy cruelly administered. 5. Severity; rigor; inclemency. The tyranny o' th' open night.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI