WIELD, verb transitive [Latin The primary sense of power and strength is to stretch or strain.] 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. 2. To use or employ with the hand. Nothing but the influence of a civilized power could induce a savage to wield a spade. 3. To handle; in an ironical sense. Base Hungarian wight, wilt thou the spigot wield? To wield the scepter, to govern with supreme command.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI