from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
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We are commanded to forgive our enemies, but you
never read that we are commanded to forgive our
friends. --Bacon.
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Go to your mistress:
Say, I command her come to me. --Shak.
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2. To exercise direct authority over; to have control of; to
have at one's disposal; to lead.
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Monmouth commanded the English auxiliaries.
--Macaulay.
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Such aid as I can spare you shall command. --Shak.
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3. To have within a sphere of control, influence, access, or
vision; to dominate by position; to guard; to overlook.
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Bridges commanded by a fortified house. --Motley.
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Up to the eastern tower,
Whose height commands as subject all the vale.
--Shak.
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One side commands a view of the finest garden.
--Addison.
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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.
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'Tis not in mortals to command success. --Addison.
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5. To direct to come; to bestow. [Obs.]
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I will command my blessing upon you. --Lev. xxv.
21.
Syn: To bid; order; direct; dictate; charge; govern; rule;
overlook.
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