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Exercising authority; actually in command; as, a commanding officer.

In a commanding manner.

A regimental staff officer, who assists the colonel, or commanding officer of a garrison or regiment, in the details of regimental and garrison duty. Adjutant general (a) (Mil.), the principal staff officer of an army, through whom the commanding general receives communications and issues military orders. In the U. S.…

e ecliptic which rises above the horizon at the moment of one's birth; supposed to have a commanding influence on a person's life and fortune.

The writ or percept commanding such seizure or taking.

roceeding from, due authority; entitled to obedience, credit, or acceptance; determinate; commanding. The sacred functions of authoritative teaching. Barrow.

A fortress or fortified town, on the frontier of a country, commanding an avenue of approach.

A small building, or a part of a building, more or less open, constructed in a place commanding a fine prospect.

A fortification commanding the extremity of a bridge nearest the enemy, to insure the preservation and usefulness of the bridge, and prevent the enemy from crossing; a tête-de-pont.

A writ issuing from the chancery, directed to any judge ordinary, commanding and authorizing that judge to call a jury to inquire into the case, and upon their verdict to pronounce sentence.

eace." Milton. "With calm attention." Pope. Such calm old age as conscience pure And self-commanding hearts ensure. Keble.

A writ or process commanding the officer to take the body of the person named in it, that is, to arrest him; -- also called writ of capias.

By courtesy, an officer actually commanding a vessel, although not having the rank of captain.

A fortress in or near a fortified city, commanding the city and fortifications, and intended as a final point of defense. Syn. - Stronghold. See Fortress.

r allow to fall, into confusion. To club a battalion implies a temporary inability in the commanding officer to restore any given body of men to their natural front in line or column. Farrow.

ect authority; to govern; to sway; to influence; to give an order or orders. And reigned, commanding in his monarchy. Shak. For the king had so commanded concerning [Haman]. Esth. iii. 2.

A commander; the commanding officer of a place, or of a body of men; as, the commandant of a navy-yard.

The act of commanding; exercise of authority. And therefore put I on the countenance Of stern commandment. Shak.

al written warrant or authority, granting certain powers or privileges and authorizing or commanding the performance of certain duties. Let him see our commission. Shak.

A captain commanding a squadron, or a division of a fleet, or having the temporary rank of rear admiral.