ˈpyüəs ə n(t)s, pyüˈis-, ˈpwis- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English puissaunce, from Middle French puissance, from Old French, from puissant
1. : ability to coerce or sway : controlling influence : strength , power
samurai bow to the puissance of the emperor
legislators … fear the puissance of the farm vote — Los Angeles (Calif.) Times
extraordinary rhythmic puissance — Aaron Copland
2. obsolete : a military force : army
cousin, go draw our puissance together — Shakespeare
Synonyms: see power