Both Uses of
wield
in
Don Quixote
- "Be they phantoms ever so much," said Don Quixote, "I will not permit them to touch a thread of thy garments; for if they played tricks with thee the time before, it was because I was unable to leap the walls of the yard; but now we are on a wide plain, where I shall be able to wield my sword as I please."†
Chpt 1.19-20 *wield = to hold and use, or to have and be able to use
- On the contrary, he must attack and fall upon them with a gallant bearing and a fearless heart, and, if possible, vanquish and destroy them, even though they have for armour the shells of a certain fish, that they say are harder than diamonds, and in place of swords wield trenchant blades of Damascus steel, or clubs studded with spikes also of steel, such as I have more than once seen.†
Chpt 2.5-6
Definition:
to have or use
The exact meaning of wield can depend upon its context. For example:
- "to wield an ax" -- to have it in hand
- "to wield power or influence" -- to have or exercise power or influence