Emily Dickinson Lexicon

WIELD, v.t. [Sax. wealdan, waldan; Goth. ga-waldan, to govern; wald, power, dominion; Dan. vælde, power; gevalt, force, authority; Sw. välde, power; allied to L. valeo, Eng. well. The primary sense of power and strength is to stretch or strain. This seems to be the Russ. vladyu, to rule, and wald or vlad, in names, as Waldemir, Vlademir.]

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. – Milton.
2. To use or employ with the hand. Nothing but the influence of a civilized power could induce a savage to wield a spade. – S. S. Smith.
3. To handle; in an ironical sense. Base Hungarian wight, wilt thou the spigot wield? – Shak. To wield the scepter, to govern with supreme command.