Control  —n. 1 power of directing. 2 power of restraining, esp. Self-restraint. 3 means of restraint. 4 (usu. In pl.) Means of regulating. 5 (usu. In pl.) Switches and other devices by which a machine is controlled. 6 place where something is controlled or verified. 7 standard of comparison for checking the results of an experiment. —v. (-ll-) 1 have control of, regulate. 2 hold in check. 3 check, verify.  in control (often foll. By of) directing an activity. Out of control no longer manageable. Under control being controlled; in order.  controllable adj. [medieval latin, = keep copy of accounts: related to *contra-, *roll]