We are commanded to forgive our enemies, but you
never read that we are commanded to forgive our
friends. --Bacon.
Go to your mistress: Say, I command her come to me.
--Shak.
2. To exercise direct authority over; to have control of; to
have at one's disposal; to lead.
Monmouth commanded the English auxiliaries.
--Macaulay.
Such aid as I can spare you shall command. --Shak.
3. To have within a sphere of control, influence, access, or
vision; to dominate by position; to guard; to overlook.
Bridges commanded by a fortified house. --Motley.
Up to the eastern tower, Whose height commands as
subject all the vale. --Shak.
One side commands a view of the finest garden.
--Addison.
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.
'Tis not in mortals to command success. --Addison.
5. To direct to come; to bestow. [Obs.]
I will command my blessing upon you. --Lev. xxv.
21.
Syn: To bid; order; direct; dictate; charge; govern; rule;
overlook.
And reigned, commanding in his monarchy. --Shak.
For the king had so commanded concerning [Haman].
--Esth. iii.
2.
2. To have a view, as from a superior position.
Far and wide his eye commands. --Milton.
Awaiting what command their mighty chief Had to
impose. --Milton.
2. The possession or exercise of authority.
Command and force may often create, but can never
cure, an aversion. --Locke.
3. Authority; power or right of control; leadership; as, the
forces under his command.
4. Power to dominate, command, or overlook by means of
position; scope of vision; survey.
The steepy stand Which overlooks the vale with wide
command. --Dryden.
5. Control; power over something; sway; influence; as, to
have command over one's temper or voice; the fort has
command of the bridge.
He assumed an absolute command over his readers.
--Dryden.
6. A body of troops, or any naval or military force or post,
or the whole territory under the authority or control of a
particular officer.
{Word of command} (Mil.), a word or phrase of definite and
established meaning, used in directing the movements of
soldiers; as, {aim}; {fire}; {shoulder arms}, etc.
Syn: Control; sway; power; authority; rule; dominion;
sovereignty; mandate; order; injunction; charge; behest.
See {Direction}.