Rēg'ū-lāte, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. REGULATED; p. pr. & vb. n. REGULATING.] [Lat. regulare, regulatum, from regula: It. regolare, Sp. & Pg. regular, Fr. régular, O. Fr. réguler; N. Fr. régler. See REGULAR.]
Sense 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.
Sense 2. To put in good order; as, to regulate the disordered state of a nation or its finances.
Synonyms—To adjust; dispose; methodize; arrange; direct; order; rule; govern.