from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Manipulate \Ma*nip"u*late\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Manipulated};
p. pr. & vb. n. {Manipulating}.] [LL. manipulatus, p. p. of
manipulare to lead by the hand, fr. L. manipulus. See
{Maniple}.]
1. To treat, work, or operate with the hands, especially when
knowledge and dexterity are required; to manage in hand
work; to handle; as, to manipulate scientific apparatus.
[1913 Webster]
2. To control the action of, by management; as, to manipulate
a convention of delegates; also, to manage artfully or
fraudulently; as, to manipulate accounts, or election
returns; to manipulate the stock market.
[1913 Webster]