v. S. Africa. Also -der. [ad. S. African Du. kommande·ren, f. F. commander to command.] trans. To command or force into military service; to seize for (or as for) military use.
1881. Times, 1 Feb., 5/5. The night previously the Boers had commandeered the natives … and compelled them to fight.
1882. Standard, 12 Dec., 5/7. The Schoonspruit … Burghers, who have been commandeered, have declined to go to the front.
1883. All Y. Round, 17 Nov., 533. Any quantity of grapes might be commandeered without asking.
b. absol.
1881. Times, 25 Jan., 5. The Boers are in Lydenburg commandering from the stores.
1882. Standard, 12 Dec., 5/7. The action of the Government in commandeering so extensively.
