Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[L.

dynastes

, Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] to be able or strong: cf. F.

dynaste

. See

A ruler; a governor; a prince.

A dynasty; a government.

[Obs.]

Noun.

[See Dynasty.] a ruler; a governor; a prince; a government.

dynast ‎(plural dynasts)

A ruler or governor, especially a hereditary ruler or someone who founded or is part of a dynasty.
- 2011, "Embraceable you", The Economist, 30 Jul 2011:
  Now the dynasts who rule each country are cementing political ties.

a ruler or governor, especially a hereditary ruler or someone who founded or is part of a dynasty