† aˈweld, awild, v. Obs.
[f. a- prefix 1 + OE. węldan, weak deriv. of wealdan (see awald v.); or for OE. ᵹewęldan, 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 mæᵹe to his willan ᵹeweldan (Hatt. ᵹewealdan). c 1000 ælfric Gen. i. 28 Gefillað þa eorðan & ᵹewildað hiᵹ.] c 1175 Lamb. Hom. 81 He ne mei his flesc awelden. 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. |