Holding and using something as a tool or weapon, often with power or authority, or handling something skillfully.
From Old English 'wealdan' (to rule, control), related to German 'walten'; the sense evolved from 'to rule' to 'to handle or use,' emphasizing control and authority.
In fantasy and historical fiction, we love describing heroes 'wielding' swords, but the word actually came from 'to rule'—so wielding a sword is etymologically about wielding power, making the metaphor literal in its word roots.
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