from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Countermand \Coun`ter*mand"\ (koun`t[~e]r*m[.a]nd"), v. t. [imp.
& p. p. {Countermanded}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Countermanding}.]
[F. contremander; contre (L. contra) + mander to command, fr.
L. mandare. Cf. {Mandate}.]
1. To revoke (a former command); to cancel or rescind by
giving an order contrary to one previously given; as, to
countermand an order for goods.
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2. To prohibit; to forbid. [Obs.]
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Avicen countermands letting blood in choleric
bodies. --Harvey.
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3. To oppose; to revoke the command of.
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For us to alter anything, is to lift ourselves
against God; and, as it were, to countermand him.
--Hooker.
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