potencen.¹

Brit.

/ˈpəʊtns/, U.S.

/ˈpoʊtns/

Forms:

α. (In later use chiefly in sense 4) late Middle English 1700s–1800s potance, 1600s pottans, 1700s portance, 1700s potans, 1700s– pottance.

β. late Middle English– potence.

Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French potence.

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman and Middle French, French potence crutch (12th cent.), supporting framework (e.g. for a headdress, or in a building) (14th cent.), (in heraldry) cross potent (a1450), gibbet, gallows (1474), military formation (1752 in en potence ), support for a pivot in a watch (not dated in dictionaries of French; compare contre-potence (1752 or earlier)) < classical Latin potentia power (see potence n.²), in post-classical Latin also support, crutch (from 12th cent. in British and continental sources). Compare potent n.¹, and also potence n.²For possible later examples in sense 3 see note at potent n.¹

†1. Heraldry. A cross potent. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > charge: device on shield > cross > [noun] > other types of cross

potencec1460

cross patonce1562

entrailed1562

Avellan1610

Greek cross1725

Latin cross1797

pendall?1828

spindle cross1828

Irish cross1832

cross patée1844

Celtic cross1857

Teutonic cross1882

c1460 Bk. Arms in Ancestor (1903) Apr. 187 (MED) Pyersse Dewrant beryth asewre bendly potance of sylvyr: de Gwascowyng.

1572 J. Bossewell Wks. Armorie ii. f. 35 Beareth Sable, a Bende Argent, with twoo double Cotizes, Potences and Counter~potences of three peces d'Or.

1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. i. 9 The Cap might be taken to be between the Potences; and not the Potences to lie upon, or proceed from the cap.

†2.

a. A cross or gibbet; a gallows. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > punishment > capital punishment > hanging > [noun] > gallows

gallowsOE

gallows-treea1000

warytre?a1200

gibbet?c1225

gallow-forka1250

forkc1275

juisec1320

forchesc1380

crossa1382

treec1425

patible1428

justice1484

potencec1500

haltera1533

turning-tree1548

potentc1550

three treesa1566

chates1567

mare1568

furel1587

bough1590

gibe1590

derrickc1600

hangrella1605

cross-tree1638

Gregorian tree1641

wooden horse1642

timber-marec1650

triple tree1651

furca1653

nubbing1673

a horse that was foaled of an acorn1678

nub1699

Tyburn tree1728

raven-stone1738

picture frame1785

crap1789

lamp-iron1790

Moll Blood1818

stifler1818

scragging-post1819

government signposta1828

leafless tree1830

shuggie-shue1836

doom-tree1837

stob1860–62

c1500 Melusine (1895) 117 There is the potence or cros wheron the good thef Dysmas was crucefyed whan our lord was nayled to the Cros for our redempcion.

1571 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xxviii. 215 And, as I past, the Potence I espy, Quhair the anoyntit Bischop hung to dry.

1602 J. Colville Parænese 88 A graip..hauing no pressoir bot a potence or cross.

1762 Anecd. Relative Affairs Germany 124 Having the alternative of the cachot, or dungeon..or the potence—in other words the gallows, he chose the second.

1816 M. Keating Trav. Eur. & Afr. I. 80 (note) One feature disfigures the landscape [in Catalonia]; the potence. The gallows appears on every hill.

b. Engineering. A supporting framework shaped like a gallows. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > relative position > support > [noun] > that which supports > supporting framework

cradle1379

cratch1382

frame1388

brandreth1483

scaffold?1523

crate1526

bone1542

framework1578

anatomy1591

scaffoldage1609

brake1623

truss1654

skeletona1658

carcass1663

box frame1693

crib1693

scaffolding1789

staddlea1800

gantry1810

cradling1823

potence1832

ossaturea1878

tower1970

1832 H. Douglas Ess. Mil. Bridges (ed. 2) vi. 324 A vertical frame, forming a potence, or gallows, was fixed upon each of the horizontal frames, with 2 iron rollers on the summits, over which the 2 suspension cables were passed.

†3. A crutch; = potent n.¹ 1a. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > healing > medical appliances or equipment > surgical supports > [noun] > crutch

crutchc900

crosec1330

stiltc1330

potent1348

croche14..

staff1483

potencea1500

crutchet1611

plyer1699

a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 80 (MED) Yet ware thou take not the staff instede of the potence [v.r. potente].

1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 24/1 The Crutch is of some termed..a Crich, but more usually a Crutch Staff, which by Old Sir Geffrey Chaucer, was called a Potence.

4. Watchmaking and Clockmaking. A stud or fixture within the frame of a watch movement that supports the lower pivot of the balance; any stud or fixture within the frame of a clock or watch movement that supports the pivot of a moving part.

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > instruments for measuring time > watch > [noun] > parts of

barrel1591

motion1605

bezel1616

fusee1622

string1638

crown wheel1646

out-case1651

watch-box1656

nuck1664

watchwork1667

balance-wheel1669

box1675

dial wheel1675

counter-potence1678

pendulum-balance1680

watch-case1681

pillar1684

contrate teeth1696

pinion of report1696

watch-hook1698

bob-balance1701

half-cock1701

potence1704

verge1704

pad1705

movable1709

jewel1711

pendant1721

crystal1722

watch-key1723

pendulum spring1728

lock spring1741

watch-glass1742

watch-spring1761

all-or-nothing piece1764

watch hand1764

cylinder1765

cannon?1780

cannon1802

stackfreed1819

pillar plate1821

little hand1829

hair-spring1830

lunette1832

all-or-nothing1843

locking1851

slag1857

staff1860

case spring1866

stem1866

balance-cock1874

watch-dial1875

balance-spring1881

balance-staff1881

Breguet spring1881

overcoil1881

surprise-piece1881

brass edge1884

button turn1884

fourth wheel1884

fusee-sink1884

pair-case1884

silver bar1884

silver piece1884

slang1884

top plate1884

karrusel1893

watch-face1893

watch bracelet1896

bar-movement1903

jewel pivot1907

jewel bearing1954

1678 London Gaz. No. 1286/4 The Counter pettance [sic] hath a tail that goeth a quarter of a circle.]

1704 J. Harris Lexicon Technicum I Potans, or Potence, a Part of a Watch.

1705 W. Derham in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Literary Men (1843) (Camden) 318 One of these drilled stones they fix in the cock, the other in the bottom of the portance only to carry the ballance.

1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Watch The Potence, or Pottance, which is the strong Stud in Pocket-Watches, wherein the lower Pivot of the Verge plays.

1885 C. G. W. Lock Workshop Receipts 4th Ser. 329/1 Take the potence, and..screw it in its place upon the top plate.

1911 F. J. Britten Old Clocks & Watches (ed. 3) v. 254 Riveted potences are found in nearly all watches made before 1700.

1952 J. W. Player Watch Repairing iv. 52 The foot endstone will be set in a dovetail slip which slides into a corresponding groove in the potence.

1973 E. J. Tyler Craft of Clockmaker v. 56 The front pivot was accommodated in a hole in the ‘pottance’ or bracket that carried the lower pivot of the verge.

†5. Military. A troop formation in which a line is thrown out at right angles to the main body. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > military operations > distribution of troops > formation > [noun] > other formations

herse1523

shears1562

snail1579

rendy1581

saw battle1598

shear-battle1598

file1616

horn battle1635

sconce-battle1635

potence1760

echelon1796

marching order1819

harrow1876

zariba1887

1760 Ann. Reg. 1759 Hist. Present War 40/2 The left of the English..was formed to prevent that design in a manner which the military men call Potence, that is, in a body which presents two faces to the enemy.

1815 J. H. Stanhope Let. 3 July in Heber Lett. (1950) viii. 271 The house was the key of the position as it was at the angle on which the potence rested and was defended by the 2nd Brigade of Guards.

1865 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia V. xviii. viii. 205 Friedrich's line..shoots out in mysterious Prussian rhythm, in echelons, in potences, obliquely down the Janus-Hill side.

6. In a dovecote: an apparatus that revolves a support for a ladder, providing access to each nesting hole in turn. historical.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping birds > [noun] > keeping or breeding pigeons > dovecote > revolving machine

potence1887

1887 Archaeol. Jrnl. 44 112 The Circular [culverhouses] were provided with a revolving machine, called a potence, by which all the nests could be conveniently got at in turn.

1920 Jrnl. Rom. Stud. 10 190 Clearly ‘its wooden ladder’ must, like the potence, have formed part of the ‘fixtures’ of the dovecot.

1978 Erddig (National Trust) 7 The building, shown on an estate plan of 1739, is complete with its potence (the revolving arm supporting the ladder needed to collect eggs and squabs) and several pairs of nesting fantails.

1991 Weekend Tel. 20 July 6/6 A dovecote of this age is a rare find, especially one with its original potence, the revolving wooden arm which supports a ladder and makes it possible to reach all the nesting holes.

Compounds

General attributive (in sense 4) .

potence file n.

ΚΠ

1854 Cycl. Useful Arts I. 642/2 Hand files,..when small, pottance files.

1884 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (new ed.) 214 The size of the potence file most generally used is four inches long.

1958 W. J. Gazeley Watch & Clock Making & Repairing (ed. 2) i. 2 A watchmaker's files are innumerable, but such files as the pillar, pottance, 3-square, square, rat-tail, ridgeback, crossings, rounding-up, fast-cutting and smooth are common to both jobs.

† potence hole n. Obsolete rare.

ΚΠ

1881 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (ed. 4) 59 The body or arbor of the verge..viewed through the follower potance hole should be seen crossing the balance wheel hole of the dovetail.

† potence plate n. Obsolete rare.

ΚΠ

1798 Trans. Soc. Arts 16 307 The cock screwed to the potance plate.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

potencen.²

Brit.

/ˈpəʊtns/, U.S.

/ˈpoʊtns/

Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French potence; Latin potentia.

Etymology: < Anglo-Norman and Middle French potence power (12th cent. in Anglo-Norman; obsolete in this sense by early 16th cent.; compare French potence potence n.¹) and its etymon classical Latin potentia potency n.: see -ence suffix. Compare Old Occitan potensa , Italian potenza (12th or 13th cent.), and also German Potenz (1535). Compare potency n., and also potence n.¹

a. Power, ability, strength. Also: an instance of this.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > power > [noun]

i-waldeOE

armOE

craftOE

mightOE

poustiea1275

mound?a1300

powerc1300

force1303

mighta1325

wielda1325

mightiheada1382

mightinessc1390

mightheada1400

mightinga1400

puissance1420

mightfulnessa1425

vallente1475

potence1483

state1488

potencya1500

potestation?c1500

potent1512

puissantness1552

sinew1560

puissancy1562

potentness1581

powerableness1591

powerfulnessc1595

potestatea1600

pollency1623

potentiality1627

potentialness1668

poust1827

mana1843

magnum force1977

the world > action or operation > ability > [noun] > strong or powerful

craftOE

strengthOE

powerc1300

forcec1340

foisona1400

ability?1473

potence1483

potencya1500

valency1623

potentiality1627

potentialness1668

muscularity1871

firepower1945

1483 tr. Pylgremage of Sowle (Caxton) iv. xxvi. f. lxxii That he ne may it knowen as in potence that is kyndely power.

?1537 Hugh of Caumpedene tr. Hist. Kyng Boccus sig. k iv Lordshyp ought stowte to be And stalworthe and of potence With ryght and skyll the wycked to deme.

1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 472 Tha quha onie did excel in wisdome, or potence.

1669 T. Gale Court of Gentiles: Pt. I i. iv. 22 His Potence, Prevalence, and Interest among the Canaanites.

1767 S. Pennington Lett. III. 153 That there is any other being,..in the universe, which withstands the potence of God.

1850 E. B. Browning Seraphim i. 156 Where the blind matter brings An awful potence out of impotence.

1876 R. W. Emerson Resources in Lett. & Social Aims 121 Men are made up of potences.

1909 Iowa City (Iowa) Daily Press 8 Mar. 1/2 He says that, through the potence of this great, new love he is better qualified than ever to ‘serve the Lord’.

1947 Berkshire Evening Eagle (Pittsfield, Mass.) 16 Oct. 14/1 Two recent opinion polls are illuminating regarding the popularity and political potence of Mr. Henry Wallace.

2004 Courier Mail (Queensland) (Nexis) 17 Aug. 36 Koschitzke's consummate skills and aerial brilliance would add even more potence to a tall Saints forward structure.

b. = potency n. 3a. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > [noun] > intoxicating element in drink

strengtha1325

mightinessa1530

headiness1603

potency1637

spirit(s) of wine1646

alcohol1742

wine-spirit1753

alc.1840

potence1871

1871 B. Taylor tr. J. W. von Goethe Faust I. vi. 136 And through thy frame the liquor's potence fling.

1993 Sunday Times (Nexis) 29 Aug. Is it true that alcoholic drink consumed through a straw has more potence?

2003 Sunday Times (Nexis) 26 Oct. (Sport section) 22 Kava is the traditional Fijian drink not quite equal in potence to Western booze.

c. = potency n. 1b.

ΘΚΠ

the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual activity > [noun] > sexual potency or vigour

ability?1473

Lusty Juventus1582

virility1598

mettle1612

manhood1640

potency1739

potence1875

lead in one's pencil1941

1875 Clinic (Cincinnati) 9 25/2 (heading) Potence and impotence.

1885 Law Rep.: Appeal Cases 10 173 She..averred..that he was impotent at the date of the ceremony... The appellant averred his potence.

1981 J. Hicks In Singer's Temple v. 251 Tarden is above all a cocksman. His sexual potence is a willed extension of the strong and conscious self.

2000 St. Petersburg Times (Florida) (Nexis) 20 Oct. 3 b In a promotional newspaper called Inside Health, Kimball said the drug would help sexual potence and extend life span.

†2. Degree of power or intensity. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > physics > energy or power of doing work > [noun] > degree of

strengthOE

intensivenessa1656

potencya1691

intensity1794

potence1817

energy level1902

power level1929

muscle1986

1817 S. T. Coleridge Biogr. Lit. I. xii. 276 I shall venture to use potence, in order to express a specific degree of a power, in imitation of the Algebraists.

a1856 W. Hamilton Lect. Metaphysics (1859) II. xxv. 120 Derivative from the principle in its lower potence or degree.

1863 Reader 26 Sept. 335/2 This, then, is the first ‘potence’, as the Germans would call it, of that self-culture which consists in the control of thought by and within itself.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

potenceadj.

Brit.

/ˈpəʊtns/, U.S.

/ˈpoʊtns/

Forms:

α. 1600s– potence, 1700s potance.

β. 1600s potencé, 1600s potencie, 1800s potancee, 1800s– potencée.

Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French potencé.

Etymology: < French potencé (1456 in Middle French) < potence potence n.¹ + -é , suffix forming adjectives (see -ate suffix²). Compare patonce adj., potent adj.²

Heraldry.

= potent adj.² Usually used postpositively in cross potence.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > charge: device on shield > cross > [adjective] > potent

potenta1586

potence1602

potented?1828

potentée?1828

1602 W. Segar Honor Mil. & Civill ii. xxvi. 105 That euery man..should..vpon their vppermost garment weare a blacke Crosse, voided with a Crosse potence.

1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory i. v. 51 He beareth Azure, a Cross potence rebated on the head of the Sinister sides, recoursie.

1704 J. Harris Lexicon Technicum I Potent, or Potence, the Term for a Cross in Heraldry, formed into this Figure.

1779 H. Clark & T. Wormull Peerage Nobility Eng., Scotl., & Ireland 211 Charged on his breast and mantle with a cross potance, or.

1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward II. xvi. 330 If he is left to my disposal..I will at least give him one lesson in the science of heraldry, in which he is so ignorant—only explain to him practically, the meaning of a cross potence, with a noose dangling proper.

1871 C. M. Yonge Cameos 2nd Ser. xviii. 193 Richard bore on his banners the cross potence and four doves of the Saxon Saint.

1894 H. Gough & J. Parker Gloss. Terms Heraldry (new ed.) at Cross Cross potent, written sometimes potence (fr. potencée): so called because its arms terminate in potents,..or like crutches. Also called a Jerusalem cross.

1911 Encycl. Relig. & Ethics IV. 326/1 The potencée form T..is called also the Tau cross, because it reproduces the form of the Greek letter Tau.

1948 in W. R. Benét Reader's Encycl. 258 The twelve [crosses] in ordinary use, and from which the others are derived, are:..(8) the cross potence; (9) the cross fleury; (10) the cross paté; [etc.].

1974 A. C. Brown Bodyguard Lies II. 904 Garbo disappeared..surely the only man in history to wear the cross potence alongside the cross-pate on the same dinner jacket.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

n.¹c1460

n.²1483

adj.1602

单词	potence
释义	potencen.¹ Brit. /ˈpəʊtns/, U.S. /ˈpoʊtns/ Forms: α. (In later use chiefly in sense 4) late Middle English 1700s–1800s potance, 1600s pottans, 1700s portance, 1700s potans, 1700s– pottance. β. late Middle English– potence. Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French potence. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman and Middle French, French potence crutch (12th cent.), supporting framework (e.g. for a headdress, or in a building) (14th cent.), (in heraldry) cross potent (a1450), gibbet, gallows (1474), military formation (1752 in en potence ), support for a pivot in a watch (not dated in dictionaries of French; compare contre-potence (1752 or earlier)) < classical Latin potentia power (see potence n.²), in post-classical Latin also support, crutch (from 12th cent. in British and continental sources). Compare potent n.¹, and also potence n.²For possible later examples in sense 3 see note at potent n.¹ †1. Heraldry. A cross potent. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > charge: device on shield > cross > [noun] > other types of cross potencec1460 cross patonce1562 entrailed1562 Avellan1610 Greek cross1725 Latin cross1797 pendall?1828 spindle cross1828 Irish cross1832 cross patée1844 Celtic cross1857 Teutonic cross1882 c1460 Bk. Arms in Ancestor (1903) Apr. 187 (MED) Pyersse Dewrant beryth asewre bendly potance of sylvyr: de Gwascowyng. 1572 J. Bossewell Wks. Armorie ii. f. 35 Beareth Sable, a Bende Argent, with twoo double Cotizes, Potences and Counter~potences of three peces d'Or. 1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. i. 9 The Cap might be taken to be between the Potences; and not the Potences to lie upon, or proceed from the cap. †2. a. A cross or gibbet; a gallows. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > authority > punishment > capital punishment > hanging > [noun] > gallows gallowsOE gallows-treea1000 warytre?a1200 gibbet?c1225 gallow-forka1250 forkc1275 juisec1320 forchesc1380 crossa1382 treec1425 patible1428 justice1484 potencec1500 haltera1533 turning-tree1548 potentc1550 three treesa1566 chates1567 mare1568 furel1587 bough1590 gibe1590 derrickc1600 hangrella1605 cross-tree1638 Gregorian tree1641 wooden horse1642 timber-marec1650 triple tree1651 furca1653 nubbing1673 a horse that was foaled of an acorn1678 nub1699 Tyburn tree1728 raven-stone1738 picture frame1785 crap1789 lamp-iron1790 Moll Blood1818 stifler1818 scragging-post1819 government signposta1828 leafless tree1830 shuggie-shue1836 doom-tree1837 stob1860–62 c1500 Melusine (1895) 117 There is the potence or cros wheron the good thef Dysmas was crucefyed whan our lord was nayled to the Cros for our redempcion. 1571 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xxviii. 215 And, as I past, the Potence I espy, Quhair the anoyntit Bischop hung to dry. 1602 J. Colville Parænese 88 A graip..hauing no pressoir bot a potence or cross. 1762 Anecd. Relative Affairs Germany 124 Having the alternative of the cachot, or dungeon..or the potence—in other words the gallows, he chose the second. 1816 M. Keating Trav. Eur. & Afr. I. 80 (note) One feature disfigures the landscape [in Catalonia]; the potence. The gallows appears on every hill. b. Engineering. A supporting framework shaped like a gallows. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > space > relative position > support > [noun] > that which supports > supporting framework cradle1379 cratch1382 frame1388 brandreth1483 scaffold?1523 crate1526 bone1542 framework1578 anatomy1591 scaffoldage1609 brake1623 truss1654 skeletona1658 carcass1663 box frame1693 crib1693 scaffolding1789 staddlea1800 gantry1810 cradling1823 potence1832 ossaturea1878 tower1970 1832 H. Douglas Ess. Mil. Bridges (ed. 2) vi. 324 A vertical frame, forming a potence, or gallows, was fixed upon each of the horizontal frames, with 2 iron rollers on the summits, over which the 2 suspension cables were passed. †3. A crutch; = potent n.¹ 1a. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > healing > medical appliances or equipment > surgical supports > [noun] > crutch crutchc900 crosec1330 stiltc1330 potent1348 croche14.. staff1483 staff1483 potencea1500 crutchet1611 plyer1699 a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 80 (MED) Yet ware thou take not the staff instede of the potence [v.r. potente]. 1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 24/1 The Crutch is of some termed..a Crich, but more usually a Crutch Staff, which by Old Sir Geffrey Chaucer, was called a Potence. 4. Watchmaking and Clockmaking. A stud or fixture within the frame of a watch movement that supports the lower pivot of the balance; any stud or fixture within the frame of a clock or watch movement that supports the pivot of a moving part. ΘΚΠ the world > time > instruments for measuring time > watch > [noun] > parts of barrel1591 motion1605 bezel1616 fusee1622 string1638 crown wheel1646 out-case1651 watch-box1656 nuck1664 watchwork1667 balance-wheel1669 box1675 dial wheel1675 counter-potence1678 pendulum-balance1680 watch-case1681 pillar1684 contrate teeth1696 pinion of report1696 watch-hook1698 bob-balance1701 half-cock1701 potence1704 verge1704 pad1705 movable1709 jewel1711 pendant1721 crystal1722 watch-key1723 pendulum spring1728 lock spring1741 watch-glass1742 watch-spring1761 all-or-nothing piece1764 watch hand1764 cylinder1765 cannon?1780 cannon1802 stackfreed1819 pillar plate1821 little hand1829 hair-spring1830 lunette1832 all-or-nothing1843 locking1851 slag1857 staff1860 case spring1866 stem1866 balance-cock1874 watch-dial1875 balance-spring1881 balance-staff1881 Breguet spring1881 overcoil1881 surprise-piece1881 brass edge1884 button turn1884 fourth wheel1884 fusee-sink1884 pair-case1884 silver bar1884 silver piece1884 slang1884 top plate1884 karrusel1893 watch-face1893 watch bracelet1896 bar-movement1903 jewel pivot1907 jewel bearing1954 1678 London Gaz. No. 1286/4 The Counter pettance [sic] hath a tail that goeth a quarter of a circle.] 1704 J. Harris Lexicon Technicum I Potans, or Potence, a Part of a Watch. 1705 W. Derham in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eminent Literary Men (1843) (Camden) 318 One of these drilled stones they fix in the cock, the other in the bottom of the portance only to carry the ballance. 1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Watch The Potence, or Pottance, which is the strong Stud in Pocket-Watches, wherein the lower Pivot of the Verge plays. 1885 C. G. W. Lock Workshop Receipts 4th Ser. 329/1 Take the potence, and..screw it in its place upon the top plate. 1911 F. J. Britten Old Clocks & Watches (ed. 3) v. 254 Riveted potences are found in nearly all watches made before 1700. 1952 J. W. Player Watch Repairing iv. 52 The foot endstone will be set in a dovetail slip which slides into a corresponding groove in the potence. 1973 E. J. Tyler Craft of Clockmaker v. 56 The front pivot was accommodated in a hole in the ‘pottance’ or bracket that carried the lower pivot of the verge. †5. Military. A troop formation in which a line is thrown out at right angles to the main body. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > military operations > distribution of troops > formation > [noun] > other formations herse1523 shears1562 snail1579 rendy1581 saw battle1598 shear-battle1598 file1616 horn battle1635 sconce-battle1635 potence1760 echelon1796 marching order1819 harrow1876 zariba1887 1760 Ann. Reg. 1759 Hist. Present War 40/2 The left of the English..was formed to prevent that design in a manner which the military men call Potence, that is, in a body which presents two faces to the enemy. 1815 J. H. Stanhope Let. 3 July in Heber Lett. (1950) viii. 271 The house was the key of the position as it was at the angle on which the potence rested and was defended by the 2nd Brigade of Guards. 1865 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia V. xviii. viii. 205 Friedrich's line..shoots out in mysterious Prussian rhythm, in echelons, in potences, obliquely down the Janus-Hill side. 6. In a dovecote: an apparatus that revolves a support for a ladder, providing access to each nesting hole in turn. historical. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > keeping birds > [noun] > keeping or breeding pigeons > dovecote > revolving machine potence1887 1887 Archaeol. Jrnl. 44 112 The Circular [culverhouses] were provided with a revolving machine, called a potence, by which all the nests could be conveniently got at in turn. 1920 Jrnl. Rom. Stud. 10 190 Clearly ‘its wooden ladder’ must, like the potence, have formed part of the ‘fixtures’ of the dovecot. 1978 Erddig (National Trust) 7 The building, shown on an estate plan of 1739, is complete with its potence (the revolving arm supporting the ladder needed to collect eggs and squabs) and several pairs of nesting fantails. 1991 Weekend Tel. 20 July 6/6 A dovecote of this age is a rare find, especially one with its original potence, the revolving wooden arm which supports a ladder and makes it possible to reach all the nesting holes. Compounds General attributive (in sense 4) . potence file n. ΚΠ 1854 Cycl. Useful Arts I. 642/2 Hand files,..when small, pottance files. 1884 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (new ed.) 214 The size of the potence file most generally used is four inches long. 1958 W. J. Gazeley Watch & Clock Making & Repairing (ed. 2) i. 2 A watchmaker's files are innumerable, but such files as the pillar, pottance, 3-square, square, rat-tail, ridgeback, crossings, rounding-up, fast-cutting and smooth are common to both jobs. † potence hole n. Obsolete rare. ΚΠ 1881 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (ed. 4) 59 The body or arbor of the verge..viewed through the follower potance hole should be seen crossing the balance wheel hole of the dovetail. † potence plate n. Obsolete rare. ΚΠ 1798 Trans. Soc. Arts 16 307 The cock screwed to the potance plate. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). potencen.² Brit. /ˈpəʊtns/, U.S. /ˈpoʊtns/ Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French potence; Latin potentia. Etymology: < Anglo-Norman and Middle French potence power (12th cent. in Anglo-Norman; obsolete in this sense by early 16th cent.; compare French potence potence n.¹) and its etymon classical Latin potentia potency n.: see -ence suffix. Compare Old Occitan potensa , Italian potenza (12th or 13th cent.), and also German Potenz (1535). Compare potency n., and also potence n.¹ 1. a. Power, ability, strength. Also: an instance of this. ΘΚΠ society > authority > power > [noun] i-waldeOE armOE craftOE mightOE poustiea1275 mound?a1300 powerc1300 force1303 mighta1325 wielda1325 mightiheada1382 mightinessc1390 mightheada1400 mightinga1400 puissance1420 mightfulnessa1425 vallente1475 potence1483 state1488 potencya1500 potestation?c1500 potent1512 puissantness1552 sinew1560 puissancy1562 potentness1581 powerableness1591 powerfulnessc1595 potestatea1600 pollency1623 potentiality1627 potentialness1668 poust1827 mana1843 magnum force1977 the world > action or operation > ability > [noun] > strong or powerful craftOE strengthOE powerc1300 forcec1340 foisona1400 ability?1473 potence1483 potencya1500 valency1623 potentiality1627 potentialness1668 muscularity1871 firepower1945 1483 tr. Pylgremage of Sowle (Caxton) iv. xxvi. f. lxxii That he ne may it knowen as in potence that is kyndely power. ?1537 Hugh of Caumpedene tr. Hist. Kyng Boccus sig. k iv Lordshyp ought stowte to be And stalworthe and of potence With ryght and skyll the wycked to deme. 1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 472 Tha quha onie did excel in wisdome, or potence. 1669 T. Gale Court of Gentiles: Pt. I i. iv. 22 His Potence, Prevalence, and Interest among the Canaanites. 1767 S. Pennington Lett. III. 153 That there is any other being,..in the universe, which withstands the potence of God. 1850 E. B. Browning Seraphim i. 156 Where the blind matter brings An awful potence out of impotence. 1876 R. W. Emerson Resources in Lett. & Social Aims 121 Men are made up of potences. 1909 Iowa City (Iowa) Daily Press 8 Mar. 1/2 He says that, through the potence of this great, new love he is better qualified than ever to ‘serve the Lord’. 1947 Berkshire Evening Eagle (Pittsfield, Mass.) 16 Oct. 14/1 Two recent opinion polls are illuminating regarding the popularity and political potence of Mr. Henry Wallace. 2004 Courier Mail (Queensland) (Nexis) 17 Aug. 36 Koschitzke's consummate skills and aerial brilliance would add even more potence to a tall Saints forward structure. b. = potency n. 3a. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > [noun] > intoxicating element in drink strengtha1325 mightinessa1530 headiness1603 potency1637 spirit(s) of wine1646 alcohol1742 wine-spirit1753 alc.1840 potence1871 1871 B. Taylor tr. J. W. von Goethe Faust I. vi. 136 And through thy frame the liquor's potence fling. 1993 Sunday Times (Nexis) 29 Aug. Is it true that alcoholic drink consumed through a straw has more potence? 2003 Sunday Times (Nexis) 26 Oct. (Sport section) 22 Kava is the traditional Fijian drink not quite equal in potence to Western booze. c. = potency n. 1b. ΘΚΠ the world > physical sensation > sexual relations > sexual activity > [noun] > sexual potency or vigour ability?1473 Lusty Juventus1582 virility1598 mettle1612 manhood1640 potency1739 potence1875 lead in one's pencil1941 1875 Clinic (Cincinnati) 9 25/2 (heading) Potence and impotence. 1885 Law Rep.: Appeal Cases 10 173 She..averred..that he was impotent at the date of the ceremony... The appellant averred his potence. 1981 J. Hicks In Singer's Temple v. 251 Tarden is above all a cocksman. His sexual potence is a willed extension of the strong and conscious self. 2000 St. Petersburg Times (Florida) (Nexis) 20 Oct. 3 b In a promotional newspaper called Inside Health, Kimball said the drug would help sexual potence and extend life span. †2. Degree of power or intensity. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > physics > energy or power of doing work > [noun] > degree of strengthOE intensivenessa1656 potencya1691 intensity1794 potence1817 energy level1902 power level1929 muscle1986 1817 S. T. Coleridge Biogr. Lit. I. xii. 276 I shall venture to use potence, in order to express a specific degree of a power, in imitation of the Algebraists. a1856 W. Hamilton Lect. Metaphysics (1859) II. xxv. 120 Derivative from the principle in its lower potence or degree. 1863 Reader 26 Sept. 335/2 This, then, is the first ‘potence’, as the Germans would call it, of that self-culture which consists in the control of thought by and within itself. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). potenceadj. Brit. /ˈpəʊtns/, U.S. /ˈpoʊtns/ Forms: α. 1600s– potence, 1700s potance. β. 1600s potencé, 1600s potencie, 1800s potancee, 1800s– potencée. Origin: A borrowing from French. Etymon: French potencé. Etymology: < French potencé (1456 in Middle French) < potence potence n.¹ + -é , suffix forming adjectives (see -ate suffix²). Compare patonce adj., potent adj.² Heraldry. = potent adj.² Usually used postpositively in cross potence. ΘΚΠ society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > charge: device on shield > cross > [adjective] > potent potenta1586 potence1602 potented?1828 potentée?1828 1602 W. Segar Honor Mil. & Civill ii. xxvi. 105 That euery man..should..vpon their vppermost garment weare a blacke Crosse, voided with a Crosse potence. 1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory i. v. 51 He beareth Azure, a Cross potence rebated on the head of the Sinister sides, recoursie. 1704 J. Harris Lexicon Technicum I Potent, or Potence, the Term for a Cross in Heraldry, formed into this Figure. 1779 H. Clark & T. Wormull Peerage Nobility Eng., Scotl., & Ireland 211 Charged on his breast and mantle with a cross potance, or. 1823 W. Scott Quentin Durward II. xvi. 330 If he is left to my disposal..I will at least give him one lesson in the science of heraldry, in which he is so ignorant—only explain to him practically, the meaning of a cross potence, with a noose dangling proper. 1871 C. M. Yonge Cameos 2nd Ser. xviii. 193 Richard bore on his banners the cross potence and four doves of the Saxon Saint. 1894 H. Gough & J. Parker Gloss. Terms Heraldry (new ed.) at Cross Cross potent, written sometimes potence (fr. potencée): so called because its arms terminate in potents,..or like crutches. Also called a Jerusalem cross. 1911 Encycl. Relig. & Ethics IV. 326/1 The potencée form T..is called also the Tau cross, because it reproduces the form of the Greek letter Tau. 1948 in W. R. Benét Reader's Encycl. 258 The twelve [crosses] in ordinary use, and from which the others are derived, are:..(8) the cross potence; (9) the cross fleury; (10) the cross paté; [etc.]. 1974 A. C. Brown Bodyguard Lies II. 904 Garbo disappeared..surely the only man in history to wear the cross potence alongside the cross-pate on the same dinner jacket. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < n.¹c1460n.²1483adj.1602
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potencen.1

Compounds

potencen.2

potenceadj.

potencen.¹

potencen.²