Obs. Forms: 4–5 tir-, tyraundise, -ys, -andise, -yse, tyrauntyse, tyrannyse. [a. OF. tirandise (14th c. in Godef.), var. of tirannise, f. tiran TYRANT + -ise:—L. -itia: see -ISE2.]

1

  1.  The sway of a tyrant; absolute or despotic rule: = TYRANNY 1. rare.

2

1387.  Trevisa, Higden (Rolls), III. 269. Þat tyme þe firste Denys usede tiraundise [v.r. tyraundys] in Sicilia.

3

  2.  Oppressive or despotic government, action, or treatment: = TYRANNY 3.

4

1382.  Wyclif, Wisd. xvi. 4. It bihouede to them, hauntende tiraundise, deth to comen on with oute excusacioun.

5

1387.  Trevisa, Higden (Rolls), III. 283. Socrates was wel nygh alway in batayle, oþer in tyrauntise [1480 Caxton, tyrannyse], oþer in fredom, hardiere þan bataille oþer tiraundise.

6

1390.  Gower, Conf., III. 382. He schal … Governe and lede in such a wise, So that ther be no tirandise.

7

c. 1450.  Cursor M., 253 (Laud). To hem speke I alle-ther-most … That spendyþ her lyf in tyrandyse [v.r. truandis].

8