An upright lever for controlling something; (Aeronautics) a lever for operating the ailerons and elevators of an aeroplane, by which its attitude is varied.
Origin
Early 20th century.
Definition of control column in US English:
control column
noun
An upright lever for controlling something; (Aeronautics) a lever for operating the ailerons and elevators of an aeroplane, by which its attitude is varied.