puissant

[ pyoo-uh-suhnt, pyoo-is-uhnt, pwis-uhnt ]

adjective

, Literary.

1. powerful; mighty; potent.

puissant

/ ˈpjuːɪsənt /

adjective

1. archaic.
   powerful

Derived Forms

• ˈpuissantly, adverb

Other Words From

• puis·sant·ly adverb
• over·puis·sant adjective
• over·puis·sant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of puissant¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French < Vulgar Latin *possent- (stem of *possēns ), for Latin potent- (stem of potēns ), present participle of posse to be able, have power; potent ¹, -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of puissant¹

C15: from Old French, ultimately from Latin potēns mighty, from posse to have power

Example Sentences

For he deemed a lady so much sought after must needs be a puissant dame.

From Project Gutenberg

Then they were seated behind him, and the puissant horses shot off down the Corso and towards the Bastioni at a magnificent pace.

From Project Gutenberg

High, puissant and redoubtable seigneur of Nointel, Jacques Bonhomme pardons you for the outrage he perpetrated upon you!

From Project Gutenberg

No more wars: puissant Ladies, shew conditions And freely I accept 'em.

From Project Gutenberg

Half an hour later, Haward rose from his chair and bowed low as to some highborn and puissant dame.

From Project Gutenberg