potence

American  

[poht-ns] / ˈpoʊt ns /

noun

1. potency.

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Etymology

Origin of potence

1375–1425; late Middle English < Old French < Latin potentia potency

Example Sentences

The tattered garments, hanging from their lances, the guillotine, and the potence, with the effigy of the queen suspended from it, traversed the Assembly with impunity.

From History of the Girondists, Volume I Personal Memoirs of the Patriots of the French Revolution by Ryde, H. T.

A rare few of these because they are so richly endowed with maternal potence that the subconscious processes have remained, as Nature doubtless intended, for the most part subconscious and painless.

From Feminism and Sex-Extinction by Kenealy, Arabella

The three brigades on the right flank will be faced to the left and marched forward; the head of this column still forming en potence with the front line.

From The Medallic History of the United States of America 1776-1876 by Jacquemart, Jules-Ferdinand

Of earth the bold, Where the blind matter wrings An awful potence out of impotence, Bowing the spiritual things To the things of sense.

From The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Vol. I by Browning, Elizabeth Barrett

These three brigades formed the command of Major-General Henry; the whole of General Desha's division, consisting of two brigades, were formed en potence upon the left of Trotter.

From The Medallic History of the United States of America 1776-1876 by Jacquemart, Jules-Ferdinand