6. (Gun.)
Defn: The pointing of a piece with reference to an imaginary vertical axis; — distinguished from elevation. The direction is given when the plane of sight passes through the object. Wilhelm.
Syn. — Administration; guidance; management; superintendence; oversight; government; order; command; guide; clew. Direction, Control, Command, Order. These words, as here compared, have reference to the exercise of power over the actions of others. Control is negative, denoting power to restrain; command is positive, implying a right to enforce obedience; directions are commands containing instructions how to act. Order conveys more prominently the idea of authority than the word direction. A shipmaster has the command of his vessel; he gives orders or directions to the seamen as to the mode of sailing it; and exercises a due control over the passengers.
DIRECTIVE
Di*rect"ive, a. Etym: [LL. directivus: cf. F. directif.]
1. Having power to direct; tending to direct, guide, or govern; showing the way. Hooker. The precepts directive of our practice in relation to God. Barrow.
2. Able to be directed; manageable. [Obs.] Swords and bows Directive by the limbs. Shak.
DIRECTLY
Di*rect"ly, adv.
1. In a direct manner; in a straight line or course. "To run directly
on." Shak.
Indirectly and directly too Thou hast contrived against the very life
Of the defendant. Shak.
2. In a straightforward way; without anything intervening; not by secondary, but by direct, means.
3. Without circumlocution or ambiguity; absolutely; in express terms. No man hath hitherto been so impious as plainly and directly to condemn prayer. Hooker.