Held power (5)
I believe the answer is:
ruled
'held power' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for ruled that I've seen before include "Reigned - lined - decided" , "Governed - with lines" , "(Of writing paper) having printed lines" , "Governed or commanded" , "Governed, used one's authority" .)