What is "countermands"

Usage examples of "countermands".

For a moment all were caught in the commands and countermands: Cassiopeia called on the guards to follow Galanthis in killing the lot of us, Andromeda and Cepheus included.

But he sends countermands to his generals, and the pursuit ends abortively.

But such a star hath influence in his sword As rules the skies and countermands the gods More than Cimmerian Styx or Destiny: And then shall we in this detested guise, With shame, with hunger, and with horror stay, Griping our bowels with retorqued thoughts, And have no hope to end our ecstasies.

Swiftly informed of this unauthorized departure, the top brass at battle headquarters foamed at the mouth, switched switches, levered levers and stabbed buttons, filled the ether with countermands, threats, and bloodthirsty promises while still the reserve continued to blunder through the starfield with all receivers sealed and no mutinous ears burning.