This is the 10426th most frequent Russian word.
велел
"Велел" means "ordered" or "commanded."
In this context, 'велел' is used to indicate that the father gave an authoritative instruction to his son.
Отец велел сыну прийти домой к ужину.
The father commanded his son to come home for dinner.
Here, 'велел' communicates that the teacher issued a directive to the students, emphasizing the expectation to comply.
Учитель велел ученикам выучить стихотворение к следующему уроку.
The teacher ordered the students to learn a poem for the next lesson.
In this instance, 'велел' is adapted to suit a formal and somewhat commanding instruction provided by someone of higher authority.