An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. The act or process of governing; specifically: authoritative direction or control.
   

   2. The organization, machinery, or agency through which a political unit exercises authority and performs functions and which is usually classified according to the distribution of power within it.
      

   3. The complex of political institutions, laws, and customs through which the function of governing is carried out (Merriam-Webster.com).

See also: → govern; → -ment.