Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Regulate
Reg′u-late
(-lāt)
, Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Regulated
(-lāˊtĕd)
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Regulating
.] 1.
To adjust by rule, method, or established mode; to direct by rule or restriction; to subject to governing principles or laws.
The laws which
regulate
the successions of the seasons. Macaulay.
The herdsmen near the frontier adjudicated their own disputes, and
regulated
their own police. Bancroft.
2.
To put in good order;
as, to
. regulate
the disordered state of a nation or its finances3.
To adjust, or maintain, with respect to a desired rate, degree, or condition;
as, to
regulate
the temperature of a room, the pressure of steam, the speed of a machine, etc.To regulate a watch
or To regulate a clock
to adjust its rate of running so that it will keep approximately standard time.
Syn. – To adjust; dispose; methodize; arrange; direct; order; rule; govern.
Webster 1828 Edition
Regulate
REG'ULATE
, v.t.1.
To adjust by rule, method or established mode; as, to regulate weights and measures; to regulate the assize of bread; to regulate our moral conduct by the laws of God and of society; to regulate our manners by the customary forms.2.
To put in good order; as, to regulate the disordered state of a nation or its finances.3.
To subject to rules or restrictions; as, to regulate trade; to regulate diet.