Etymology: Probably partly (i) < Old French governe (1283; end of the 12th cent. in Anglo-Norman as guverne in sense ‘helm’; Middle French, French gouverne ; < governer govern v.), and partly (ii) < Italian governo (13th cent.; < governare govern v.). Compare Old Occitan govern (12th cent. in sense ‘rudder’, 14th cent. in sense ‘administration’), Catalan govern (13th cent.), Spanish gobierno (13th cent.), Portuguese governo (13th cent.). Compare govern v.Later instances of this form appear to show an independent shortening < government n. (perhaps as graphic abbreviation), compare:1699 in Plymouth Church Rec. (1920) II. 187 To make Choyce of an Elder to be helpefull to M^er Ep Litle in the gouern of the Ch.1837 Niles' Weekly Reg. 25 Mar. 51/2 The amicable relations which subsist between the govern of the United States and that of Spain.

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman governir, gouvernir, Anglo-Norman and Old French governer, guverner, Anglo-Norman and Old French, Middle French gouverner (French gouverner ) to exercise political power over, to direct the affairs of, to rule (a people, country, etc.) (end of the 11th cent.), to have charge or supervision of (a person) (end of the 11th cent.), to direct or control the actions and affairs of a people or place (first half of the 12th cent.), to steer, pilot (a ship) (c1140), (of an object, force, etc.) to determine the nature, characteristics, or development of (something) (c1150), to exercise self-discipline (c1174; reflexive), (of God or a god) to rule, control (people, the world) (12th cent.), to administer the affairs of (an institution) (early 13th cent. or earlier), to conduct oneself, to behave (second quarter of the 13th cent. or earlier; reflexive), to lead or direct (the flow of a liquid) (13th cent. or earlier), (in grammar, of a word) to have (a word or case) depending on it (second half of the 13th cent.), to be in command of (an armed force, a fort or castle) (1272 or earlier), to manipulate, handle (a tool, mechanism, implement, etc.) (1272 or earlier), to give (a person) medical treatment (c1300), to control the direction of (a horse or other animal) (c1350) < classical Latin gubernāre to steer (a vessel), to direct, rule, govern < ancient Greek κυβερνᾶν to steer, to guide, direct, of unknown origin; perhaps a loanword. Compare Old Occitan governar , Catalan governar (beginning of the 13th cent.), Spanish gobernar (10th cent.), Portuguese governar (13th cent.), Italian governare (13th cent.). Compare gubern v.In senses 3b and 11 originally after the corresponding post-classical Latin uses of classical Latin regere to govern, direct (see regent adj.): to direct a choir (12th cent.; from 13th cent. in British sources), (of a body part or process) to control another body part or process (from c1200 in British sources).