3PHRASE 占统治地位;具有重大影响力 If someone or something holds sway, they have great power or influence over a particular place or activity. 占统治地位;具有重大影响力 [Also + over]
South of the Usk, a completely different approach seems to hold sway.
阿斯克以南盛行的似乎是一种完全不同的方式。
The 'families' are the basic units, each holding sway over a recognised territory.