The term 'HELD POWER' can be broken down into two crossword solutions: 'RULED' (5 letters) and 'REIGNED' (7 letters). Ruled is defined as having authority over a certain area or group of people, while REIGNED is defined as having supreme power or authority. Both terms refer to the same concept of having power or authority over a certain area or group of people, but REIGNED implies a longer period of time than ruled.