Control \Con*trol"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Controlled; p. pr. & vb. n. Controlling.]

[F. contr[^o]ler, fr. contr[^o]le.]

[Formerly written comptrol and controul.]

1. To check by a counter register or duplicate account; to prove by counter statements; to confute. [Obs.]

This report was controlled to be false. --Fuller.

2. To exercise restraining or governing influence over; to check; to counteract; to restrain; to regulate; to govern; to overpower.

Give me a staff of honor for mine age, But not a scepter to control the world. --Shak.

I feel my virtue struggling in my soul: But stronger passion does its power control. --Dryden.

Syn: To restrain; rule; govern; manage; guide; regulate; hinder; direct; check; curb; counteract; subdue.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)