Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Govern \Gov"ern\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Governed}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Governing}.] [OF. governer, F. gouverner, fr. L.
   gubernare to steer, pilot, govern, Gr. kyberna^n. Cf.
   {Gubernatorial}.]
   1. To direct and control, as the actions or conduct of men,
      either by established laws or by arbitrary will; to
      regulate by authority. ``Fit to govern and rule
      multitudes.'' --Shak.

   2. To regulate; to influence; to direct; to restrain; to
      manage; as, to govern the life; to govern a horse.

            Govern well thy appetite.             --Milton.

   3. (Gram.) To require to be in a particular case; as, a
      transitive verb governs a noun in the objective case; or
      to require (a particular case); as, a transitive verb
      governs the objective case.

Governing \Gov"ern*ing\, a.
   1. Holding the superiority; prevalent; controlling; as, a
      governing wind; a governing party in a state. --Jay.

   2. (Gram.) Requiring a particular case.

Source : WordNet®

governing
     adj : responsible for making and enforcing rules and laws;
           "governing bodies"

governing
     n : the act of governing; exercising authority; "regulations for
         the governing of state prisons"; "he had considerable
         experience of government" [syn: {government}, {governance},
          {government activity}]