Tyr"an*nish (?), a. Like a tyrant; tyrannical. [Obs.] "The proud
tyrannish Roman." Gower.
Tyr"an*nize (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Tyrannized (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Tyrannizing (?).] [Cf. F. tyranniser, Gr. &?; to take the part of
tyrants.] To act the tyrant; to exercise arbitrary power; to rule with
unjust and oppressive severity; to exercise power others not permitted
by law or required by justice, or with a severity not necessary to the
ends of justice and government; as, a prince will often tyrannize over
his subjects; masters sometimes tyrannize over their servants or
apprentices.
Tyr"an*nize, v. t. To subject to arbitrary, oppressive, or tyrannical
treatment; to oppress.
Tyr"an*nous (?), a. Tyrannical; arbitrary; unjustly severe; despotic.
Sir P. Sidney. — Tyr"an*nous*ly, adv.
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.