n. Governing or controlling influence; the state that exists when one person or group has power over another; domination; power. [ 1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5 ]
An undisputed ascendency. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]
Custom has an ascendency over the understanding. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ]
The constellation . . . about that time ascendant. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]
An ascendant spirit over him. South. [ 1913 Webster ]
The ascendant community obtained a surplus of wealth. J. S. Mill. [ 1913 Webster ]
Without some power of persuading or confuting, of defending himself against accusations, . . . no man could possibly hold an ascendent position. Grote. [ 1913 Webster ]
n.
adj.
rooted and ascendant strength like that of foliage. John Ruskin [ WordNet 1.5 ]