Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

            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.