Noah Webster
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.