n. One who, or that which, controls or restraines; one who has power or authority to regulate or control; one who governs.n. An officer appointed to keep a counter register of accounts, or to examine, rectify, or verify accounts.n. An iron block, usually bolted to a ship's deck, for controlling the running out of a chain cable. The links of the cable tend to drop into hollows in the block, and thus hold fast until disengaged.n. Any electric device for controlling a circuit or systemn. An electromagnet, excited by the main current, for throwing a regulator magnet into or out of circuit in an automatic device for constant current regulation.n. A kind of multiple switch for gradually admitting the current to, or shutting it off from, an electric motor.n. A lever controlling the speed of an engine; -- applied esp. to the lever governing a throttle valve, as of a steam or gasoline engine, esp. on an automobile.