Commanding

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. [1913 Webster]

We are commanded to forgive our enemies, but you never read that we are commanded to forgive our friends. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

Go to your mistress: Say, I command her come to me. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2. To exercise direct authority over; to have control of; to have at one's disposal; to lead. [1913 Webster]

Monmouth commanded the English auxiliaries. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

Such aid as I can spare you shall command. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

3. To have within a sphere of control, influence, access, or vision; to dominate by position; to guard; to overlook. [1913 Webster]

Bridges commanded by a fortified house. --Motley. [1913 Webster]

Up to the eastern tower, Whose height commands as subject all the vale. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

One side commands a view of the finest garden. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

'Tis not in mortals to command success. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

5. To direct to come; to bestow. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

I will command my blessing upon you. --Lev. xxv. 21.

Syn: To bid; order; direct; dictate; charge; govern; rule; overlook. [1913 Webster]