Command \Com*mand"\ (?; 61), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Commanded; p. pr. & vb. n. Commanding.]

[OE. comaunden, commanden, OF. comander, F. commander, fr. L. com- + mandare to commit to, to command. Cf. Commend, Mandate.]

1. To order with authority; to lay injunction upon; to direct; to bid; to charge.

We are commanded to forgive our enemies, but you never read that we are commanded to forgive our friends. --Bacon.

Go to your mistress: Say, I command her come to me. --Shak.

2. To exercise direct authority over; to have control of; to have at one's disposal; to lead.

Monmouth commanded the English auxiliaries. --Macaulay.

Such aid as I can spare you shall command. --Shak.

3. To have within a sphere of control, influence, access, or vision; to dominate by position; to guard; to overlook.

Bridges commanded by a fortified house. --Motley.

Up to the eastern tower, Whose height commands as subject all the vale. --Shak.

One side commands a view of the finest garden. --Addison.

4. To have power or influence of the nature of authority over; to obtain as if by ordering; to receive as a due; to challenge; to claim; as, justice commands the respect and affections of the people; the best goods command the best price.

'Tis not in mortals to command success. --Addison.

5. To direct to come; to bestow. [Obs.]

I will command my blessing upon you. --Lev. xxv. 21.

Syn: To bid; order; direct; dictate; charge; govern; rule; overlook.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Command \Com*mand"\, v. i.

1. To have or to exercise direct authority; to govern; to sway; to influence; to give an order or orders.

And reigned, commanding in his monarchy. --Shak.

For the king had so commanded concerning [Haman]. --Esth. iii. 2.

2. To have a view, as from a superior position.

Far and wide his eye commands. --Milton.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Command \Com*mand"\, n.

1. An authoritative order requiring obedience; a mandate; an injunction.

Awaiting what command their mighty chief Had to impose. --Milton.

2. The possession or exercise of authority.

Command and force may often create, but can never cure, an aversion. --Locke.

3. Authority; power or right of control; leadership; as, the forces under his command.

4. Power to dominate, command, or overlook by means of position; scope of vision; survey.

The steepy stand Which overlooks the vale with wide command. --Dryden.

5. Control; power over something; sway; influence; as, to have command over one's temper or voice; the fort has command of the bridge.

He assumed an absolute command over his readers. --Dryden.

6. A body of troops, or any naval or military force or post, or the whole territory under the authority or control of a particular officer.

Word of command (Mil.), a word or phrase of definite and established meaning, used in directing the movements of soldiers; as, aim; fire; shoulder arms, etc.

Syn: Control; sway; power; authority; rule; dominion; sovereignty; mandate; order; injunction; charge; behest. See Direction.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)