Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CON-TROL', v.t.

1. To keep under check by a counter register or double account, The proper officer controls the accounts of the treasury.
2. To check; to restrain; to govern. I feel my virtue struggling in my soul; / But stronger passion does its power control. – Dryden.
3. To overpower; to subject to authority; to counteract; to have under command. The course of events can not be controlled by human wisdom or power.
4. To direct or govern in opposition; to have superior force, or authority over. A recital can not control the plain words in the granting part of a deed. – Johnson's Reports.