a. [f. L. supervīs SUPERVISE + -ORY2.] Having the function of supervising; of, pertaining to, or exercising supervision.
1847. in Webster.
1848–9. Calhoun, Disc. Const. & Govt. U.S., Wks. 1863, I. 180. The Senate, in addition to its legislative, is vested also with supervisory powers in respect to treaties and appointments.
1854. W. R. Williams, Relig. Progr., iii. 63. A supervisory and sleepless Providence.
1879. D. J. Hill, Bryant, 147. His introductions to publications upon which his work was mainly supervisory, rather than constructive.
transf. 1902. Encycl. Brit., XXXIII. 238/2. (Telephone) Two auxiliary incandescent lamps (‘supervisory lamps’) are introduced in such a way that, so long as the receivers of both subscribers are removed from the hooks, the lights do not glow.
