The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Superintend \Su`per*in*tend"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   Superintended; p. pr. & vb. n. Superintending.] [L.
   superintendere. See Super-, and Intend.]
   To have or exercise the charge and oversight of; to oversee
   with the power of direction; to take care of with authority;
   to supervise; as, an officer superintends the building of a
   ship or the construction of a fort.
   [1913 Webster]

         The king may appoint a council, who may superintend the
         works of this nature.                    --Bacon.
   [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Superintend, Supervise.

   Usage: These words in general use are the synonymous. As
          sometimes used, supervise implies the more general,
          and superintend, the more particular and constant,
          inspection or direction. Among architects there is a
          disposition to use the word supervise in the sense of
          a general oversight of the main points of construction
          with reference to the design, etc., and to employ the
          word superintend to signify a constant, careful
          attention to all the details of construction. But this
          technical distinction is not firmly established.
          [1913 Webster]