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)
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