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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Wield


WIELD, verb transitive [Latin The primary sense of power and strength is to stretch or strain.]

1. To use with full command or power, as a thing not too heavy for the holder; to manage; as, to wield a sword; to wield the scepter.

Part wield their arms, part curb the foaming steed.

2. To use or employ with the hand.

Nothing but the influence of a civilized power could induce a savage to wield a spade.

3. To handle; in an ironical sense.

Base Hungarian wight, wilt thou the spigot wield?

To wield the scepter, to govern with supreme command.