\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.
      The king may appoint a council, who may superintend the
      works of this nature.                    --Bacon.
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.