v. weak. Obs. [f. A- pref. 1 + OE. węldan, weak deriv. of wealdan (see AWALD v.); or for OE. ʓewęldan, cogn. with MHG. gewalten, gewalden.]
1. trans. To rule with power, control, subdue; to wield, manage.
[c. 885. K. Ælfred, Gregory’s Past., xvii. 118. He hit ðonne ne mæʓe to his willan ʓeweldan (Hatt. ʓewealdan).
c. 1000. Ælfric, Gen. i. 28. Gefillað þa eorðan & ʓewildað hiʓ.]
c. 1175. Lamb. Hom., 81. He ne mei his flesc awelden.
c. 1205. Lay., 4083. Þa he mihte beren wepnen, & his hors wel awilden [1250 muneȝi]. Ibid., 12084. Al weoren þa wimmen awald [1250 awild] to þan deðe.
1387. Trevisa, Higden (1865), I. 253. Ȝif wordes failleþ, ȝiftes schal hym awelde.
2. intr. with inf. To have power, be able.
1387. Trevisa, Higden, Rolls Ser. V. 259. Þey þat were lefte on lyue myȝte unneþe awelde [vix sufficerent] forto burye hem þat were dede.
