n. [ L. comma part of a sentence, comma, Gr. &unr_; clause, fr. &unr_; to cut off. Cf. Capon. ] 1. A character or point [ , ] marking the smallest divisions of a sentence, written or printed. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Mus.) A small interval (the difference between a major and minor half step), seldom used except by tuners. [ 1913 Webster ]

Comma bacillus (Physiol.), a variety of bacillus shaped like a comma, found in the intestines of patients suffering from cholera. It is considered by some as having a special relation to the disease; -- called also cholera bacillus. --
Comma butterfly (Zool.), an American butterfly (Grapta comma), having a white comma-shaped marking on the under side of the wings. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. An authoritative order requiring obedience; a mandate; an injunction. [ 1913 Webster ]

Awaiting what command their mighty chief
Had to impose. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The possession or exercise of authority. [ 1913 Webster ]

Command and force may often create, but can never cure, an aversion. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Authority; power or right of control; leadership; as, the forces under his command. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Power to dominate, command, or overlook by means of position; scope of vision; survey. [ 1913 Webster ]

The steepy stand
Which overlooks the vale with wide command. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Control; power over something; sway; influence; as, to have command over one's temper or voice; the fort has command of the bridge. [ 1913 Webster ]

He assumed an absolute command over his readers. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To have or to exercise direct authority; to govern; to sway; to influence; to give an order or orders. [ 1913 Webster ]

And reigned, commanding in his monarchy. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

For the king had so commanded concerning [ Haman ]. Esth. iii. 2. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To have a view, as from a superior position. [ 1913 Webster ]

Far and wide his eye commands. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

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 ]

a. Capable of being commanded. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F., orig. p. pr. of commander. ] A commander; the commanding officer of a place, or of a body of men; as, the commandant of a navy-yard. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Mandatory; as, commandatory authority. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Commandeered p. pr. & vb. n. Commandeering. ] [ D. kommandeeren to command, in South Africa to commandeer, fr. F. commander to command. See Command. ] 1. (Mil.) To compel to perform military service; to seize for military purposes; -- orig. used of the Boers. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

2. To take arbitrary or forcible possession of. [ Colloq. ] [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. [ Cf. F. commandeur. Cf. Commodore, Commender. ] 1. A chief; one who has supreme authority; a leader; the chief officer of an army, or of any division of it. [ 1913 Webster ]

A leader and commander to the people. Is. lv. 4. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Navy) An officer who ranks next below a captain, -- ranking with a lieutenant colonel in the army. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The chief officer of a commandery. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A heavy beetle or wooden mallet, used in paving, in sail lofts, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

Commander in chief, the military title of the officer who has supreme command of the land or naval forces or the united forces of a nation or state; a generalissimo. The President is commander in chief of the army and navy of the United States.

Syn. -- See Chief. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The office of a commander. [ 1913 Webster ]