puissant

Definition

Powerful, mighty, having authority.

Etymology

From Middle English puissaunt, from Middle French puissant, poissant, Anglo-Norman puissant, Old French pussant, et al., present participle of pooir (“to be able”), ultimately from Latin posse (“be able”).

Example Sentences

• "Awake remembrance of these valiant dead, / And with your puissant arm renew their feats."
• "For who can yet believe, though after loss, That all these puissant legions, whose exile Hath emptied Heaven, shall fail to re-ascend, Self-raised, and repossess their native seat?"
• "I cried in a loud voice, "Long live the most puissant king of Lilliput!""

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