from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.]
[1913 Webster]
This report was controlled to be false. --Fuller.
[1913 Webster]
2. To exercise restraining or governing influence over; to
check; to counteract; to restrain; to regulate; to govern;
to overpower.
[1913 Webster]
Give me a staff of honor for mine age,
But not a scepter to control the world. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
I feel my virtue struggling in my soul:
But stronger passion does its power control.
--Dryden.
3. to assure the validity of an experimental procedure by
using a {control[7]}.
[PJC]
Syn: To restrain; rule; govern; manage; guide; regulate;
hinder; direct; check; curb; counteract; subdue.
[1913 Webster]