The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Control \Con*trol"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Controlled; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Controlling.] [F. contr[^o]ler, fr. contr[^o]le.]
   [Formerly written comptrol and controul.]
   1. To check by a counter register or duplicate account; to
      prove by counter statements; to confute. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

            This report was controlled to be false. --Fuller.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To exercise restraining or governing influence over; to
      check; to counteract; to restrain; to regulate; to govern;
      to overpower.
      [1913 Webster]

            Give me a staff of honor for mine age,
            But not a scepter to control the world. --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

            I feel my virtue struggling in my soul:
            But stronger passion does its power control.
                                                  --Dryden.

   3. to assure the validity of an experimental procedure by
      using a control[7].
      [PJC]

   Syn: To restrain; rule; govern; manage; guide; regulate;
        hinder; direct; check; curb; counteract; subdue.
        [1913 Webster]