[might] [ME, fr. OE meahte, mihte; akin to OHG mahta, mohta could] past of may (bef. 12c)--used in auxiliary function to express permission, liberty, probability, possibility in the past "the president ~ do nothing without the board's consent" or a present condition contrary to fact "if you were older you ~ understand" or less probability or possibility than may "~ get there before it rains" or as a polite alternative to may "~ I ask who is calling" or to ought or should "you ~ at least apologize"
[2]might n [ME, fr. OE miht; akin to OHG maht might, magan to be able--more at may] (bef. 12c) 1 a: the power, authority, or resources wielded (as by an individual or group) "the ~ of the armed forces" b (1): bodily strength (2): the power, energy, or intensity of which one is capable "striving with ~ and main"
2. dial: a great deal syn see power