1. A territory governed as an administrative or political unit of a country or empire.

2. Ecclesiastical A division of territory under the jurisdiction of a metropolitan.

3. provinces Areas of a country situated away from the capital or population center.

4. An area of knowledge, activity, or interest: a topic falling within the province of ancient history. See Synonyms at field.

5. The range of one's proper duties and functions; scope.

6. Ecology An area of land, less extensive than a region, having a characteristic plant and animal population.

7. Any of various lands outside Italy conquered by the Romans and administered by them as self-contained units.