from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Superintend \Su`per*in*tend"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Superintended}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Superintending}.] [L.
superintendere. See {Super-}, and {Intend}.]
To have or exercise the charge and oversight of; to oversee
with the power of direction; to take care of with authority;
to supervise; as, an officer superintends the building of a
ship or the construction of a fort.
[1913 Webster]
The king may appoint a council, who may superintend the
works of this nature. --Bacon.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: {Superintend}, {Supervise}.
Usage: These words in general use are the synonymous. As
sometimes used, supervise implies the more general,
and superintend, the more particular and constant,
inspection or direction. Among architects there is a
disposition to use the word supervise in the sense of
a general oversight of the main points of construction
with reference to the design, etc., and to employ the
word superintend to signify a constant, careful
attention to all the details of construction. But this
technical distinction is not firmly established.
[1913 Webster]