Potency - Pounce

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Potency (?), n. [L. potentia, from potens, -entis, potent. See , and cf. , , .] The quality or state of being potent; physical or moral power; inherent strength; energy; ability to effect a purpose; capability; efficacy; influence. “Drugs of potency.” Hawthorne.
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A place of potency and away o' the state. Shak.
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Potent (?), a. [L. potens, -entis, p. pr. of posse to be able, to have power, fr. potis able, capable (akin to Skr. pati master, lord) + esse to be. See a landlord, , and cf. , , , , .] 1. Producing great physical effects; forcible; powerful' efficacious; as, a potent medicine. “Harsh and potent injuries.” Shak.
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Moses once more his potent rod extends. Milton.
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2. Having great authority, control, or dominion; puissant; mighty; influential; as, a potent prince. “A potent dukedom.” Shak.
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Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors. Shak.
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3. Powerful, in an intellectual or moral sense; having great influence; as, potent interest; a potent argument.
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Coloq. Cross potent . (Her.) See Illust. (7) of .
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Syn. -- Powerful; mighty; puissant; strong; able; efficient; forcible; efficacious; cogent; influential.
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Potent, n. 1. A prince; a potentate. [Obs.] Shak.
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2. [See .] A staff or crutch. [Obs.]
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3. (Her.) One of the furs; a surface composed of patches which are supposed to represent crutch heads; they are always alternately argent and azure, unless otherwise specially mentioned.
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Coloq. Counter potent (Her.), a fur differing from potent in the arrangement of the patches.
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Potentacy (?), n. [See .] Sovereignty. [Obs.]
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Potentate (?), n. [LL. potentatus, fr. potentare to exercise power: cf. F. potentat. See , a.] One who is potent; one who possesses great power or sway; a prince, sovereign, or monarch.
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The blessed and only potentate. 1 Tim. vi. 15.
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Cherub and seraph, potentates and thrones. Milton.
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Potential (?), a. [Cf. F. potentiel. See .] 1. Being potent; endowed with energy adequate to a result; efficacious; influential. [Obs.] “And hath in his effect a voice potential.” Shak.
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2. Existing in possibility, not in actuality. “A potential hero.” Carlyle.
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Potential existence means merely that the thing may be at ome time; actual existence, that it now is. Sir W. Hamilton.
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Coloq. Potential cautery . See under . -- Coloq. Potential energy . (Mech.) See the Note under . -- Coloq. Potential mood , or Coloq. Potential mode (Gram.), that form of the verb which is used to express possibility, liberty, power, will, obligation, or necessity, by the use of may, can, must, might, could, would, or should; as, I may go; he can write.
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Potential, n. 1. Anything that may be possible; a possibility; potentially. Bacon.
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2. (Math.) In the theory of gravitation, or of other forces acting in space, a function of the rectangular coordinates which determine the position of a point, such that its differential coefficients with respect to the coördinates are equal to the components of the force at the point considered; -- also called potential function, or force function. It is called also Newtonian potential when the force is directed to a fixed center and is inversely as the square of the distance from the center.
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3. (Elec.) The energy of an electrical charge measured by its power to do work; hence, the degree of electrification as referred to some standard, as that of the earth; electro-motive force.
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Potentiality (?), n. The quality or state of being potential; possibility, not actuality; inherent capability or disposition, not actually exhibited.
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Potentially (?), adv. 1. With power; potently. [Obs.]
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2. In a potential manner; possibly, not positively.
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The duration of human souls is only potentially infinite. Bentley.
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Potentiate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Potentiated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Potentiating.] To render active or potent. Coleridge.
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Potentiometer (?), n. [Potential + -meter.] (Elec.) An instrument for measuring or comparing electrial potentials or electro-motive forces.
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Potentize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Potentized; p. pr. & vb. n. Potentizing.] To render the latent power of (anything) available. Dunglison.
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Potently (?), adv. With great force or energy; powerfully; efficaciously. “You are potently opposed.” Shak.
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Potentness, n. The quality or state of being potent; powerfulness; potency; efficacy.
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Potestate (?), n. A chief ruler; a potentate. [Obs.] Wyclif. “An irous potestate.” Chaucer.
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Potestative (?), a. [L. potestativus, fr. potestas power: cf. F. potestatif. See .] Authoritative. [Obs.] Bp. Pearson.
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Potgun (?), n. 1. A pot-shaped cannon; a mortar. [Obs.] “Twelve potguns of brass.” Hakluyt.
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2. A popgun. [Obs.] Swift.
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Pothecary (?), n. An apothecary. [Obs.]
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Potheen (?), n. See .
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Pother (?), n. [Cf. D. peuteren to rummage, poke. Cf. , .] Bustle; confusion; tumult; flutter; bother. [Written also potter, and pudder.] “What a pother and stir!” Oldham. “Coming on with a terrible pother.” Wordsworth.
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Pother, v. i. To make a bustle or stir; to be fussy.
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Pother, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pothered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Pothering.] To harass and perplex; to worry. “Pothers and wearies himself.” Locke.
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Pothole (?), n. A circular hole formed in the rocky beds of rivers by the grinding action of stones or gravel whirled round by the water in what was at first a natural depression of the rock.
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Pothook (?), n. 1. An S-shaped hook on which pots and kettles are hung over an open fire.
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2. A written character curved like a pothook; (pl.) a scrawled writing. “I long to be spelling her Arabic scrawls and pothooks.” Dryden.
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Pothouse (?), n. An alehouse. T. Warton.
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Potiche (?), n.; pl. -tiches (#). [F., fr. pot a pot.] (Ceramics) A vase with a separate cover, the body usually rounded or polygonal in plan with nearly vertical sides, a neck of smaller size, and a rounded shoulder.
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{ Potichomania (?), Potichomanie (?), } n. [F. potichomanie; potiche a porcelain vase + manie mania.] The art or process of coating the inside of glass vessels with engravings or paintings, so as to give them the appearance of painted ware.
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Potion (?), n. [L. potio, from potare to drink: cf. F. potion. See .] A draught; a dose; usually, a draught or dose of a liquid medicine. Shak.
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Potion (?), v. t. To drug. [Obs.] Speed.
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Pot lace. Lace whose pattern includes one or more representations of baskets or bowls from which flowers spring.
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Potlatch (?), n. [Chinook potlatch, pahtlatch, fr. Nootka pahchilt, pachalt, a gift.] 1. Among the Kwakiutl, Chimmesyan, and other Indians of the northwestern coast of North America, a ceremonial distribution by a man of gifts to his own and neighboring tribesmen, often, formerly, to his own impoverishment. Feasting, dancing, and public ceremonies accompany it.
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2. Hence, a feast given to a large number of persons, often accompanied by gifts. [Colloq., Northwestern America]
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Pot lead. Graphite, or black lead, often used on the bottoms of racing vessels to diminish friction.
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Potlid (?), n. The lid or cover of a pot.
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Coloq. Potlid valve , a valve covering a round hole or the end of a pipe or pump barrel, resembling a potlid in form.
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Potluck (?), n. Whatever may chance to be in the pot, or may be provided for a meal.
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A woman whose potluck was always to be relied on. G. Eliot.
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Coloq. To take potluck , to take what food may chance to be provided.
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Potman (?), n.; pl. Potmen (�). 1. A pot companion. [Obs.] Life of A. Wood (1663).
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2. A servant in a public house; a potboy.
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Potoo (?), n. (Zoöl.) A large South American goatsucker (Nyctibius grandis).
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Potoroo (?), n. (Zoöl.) Any small kangaroo belonging to Hypsiprymnus, Bettongia, and allied genera, native of Australia and Tasmania. Called also kangaroo rat.
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Potpie (?), n. A meat pie which is boiled instead of being baked.
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Potpourri (?), n. [F., fr. pot pot + pourri, p. p. of pourrir to rot, L. putrere. Cf. .] A medley or mixture. Specifically: (a) A ragout composed of different sorts of meats, vegetables, etc., cooked together. (b) A jar or packet of flower leaves, perfumes, and spices, used to scent a room. (c) A piece of music made up of different airs strung together; a medley. (d) A literary production composed of parts brought together without order or bond of connection.
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Potsdam group (�). (Geol.) A subdivision of the Primordial or Cambrian period in American geology; -- so named from the sandstone of Potsdam, New York. See Chart of .
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{ Potshard (?), Potshare (?), } n. A potsherd. [Obs.] Spenser.
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Potsherd (?), n. [Pot + sherd or shard.] A piece or fragment of a broken pot. Job ii. 8.
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Pot shot. Lit., a shot fired simply to fill the pot; hence, a shot fired at an animal or person when at rest or within easy range, or fired simply to kill, without reference to the rules of sport; a shot needling no special skill.
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Potstone (?), n. (Min.) A variety of steatite sometimes manufactured into culinary vessels.
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Pot-sure (-shṳr), a. Made confident by drink. [Obs.]
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Pott (?), n. A size of paper. See under .
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Pottage (?; 48), n. [F. potage, fr. pot pot. See , and cf. , .] A kind of food made by boiling vegetables or meat, or both together, in water, until soft; a thick soup or porridge. [Written also potage.] Chaucer.
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Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils. Gen. xxv. 34.
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Pottain (?), n. Old pot metal. [Obs.] Holland.
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Potteen (?), n. See .
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Potter (?), n. [Cf. F. potier.] 1. One whose occupation is to make earthen vessels. Ps. ii. 9.
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The potter heard, and stopped his wheel. Longfellow.
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2. One who hawks crockery or earthenware. [Prov. Eng.] De Quincey.
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3. One who pots meats or other eatables.
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4. (Zoöl.) The red-bellied terrapin. See .
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Coloq. Potter's asthma (Med.), emphysema of the lungs; -- so called because very prevalent among potters. Parkers. -- Coloq. Potter's clay . See under . -- Coloq. Potter's field , a public burial place, especially in a city, for paupers, unknown persons, and criminals; -- so named from the field south of Jerusalem, mentioned in Matt. xxvii. 7. -- Coloq. Potter's ore . See . -- Coloq. Potter's wheel , a horizontal revolving disk on which the clay is molded into form with the hands or tools. “My thoughts are whirled like a potter's wheel.” Shak. -- Coloq. Potter wasp (Zoöl.), a small solitary wasp (Eumenes fraternal) which constructs a globular nest of mud and sand in which it deposits insect larvæ, such as cankerworms, as food for its young.
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Potter, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Pottered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Pottering.] [Cf. W. pwtio to poke, or OD. poteren to search one thoroughly, Sw. påta, peta, to pick, E. pother, put.] 1. To busy one's self with trifles; to labor with little purpose, energy, of effect; to trifle; to pother.
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Pottering about the Mile End cottages. Mrs. Humphry Ward.
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2. To walk lazily or idly; to saunter.
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Potter, v. t. To poke; to push; also, to disturb; to confuse; to bother. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.
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Pottern (?), a. Of or pertaining to potters.
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Coloq. Pottern ore , a species of ore which, from its aptness to vitrify like the glazing of potter's wares, the miners call by this name. Boyle.
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Pottery (?), n.; pl. Potteries (#). [F. poterie, fr. pot. See .] 1. The vessels or ware made by potters; earthenware, glazed and baked.
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2. The place where earthen vessels are made.
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Potting (?), n. 1. Tippling. [Obs.] Shak.
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2. The act of placing in a pot; as, the potting of plants; the potting of meats for preservation.
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3. The process of putting sugar in casks for cleansing and draining. [West Indies] B. Edwards.
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Pottle (?), n. [OE. potel, OF. potel, dim. of pot. See .] 1. A liquid measure of four pints.
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2. A pot or tankard. Shak.
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A dry pottle of sack before him. Sir W. Scott.
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3. A vessel or small basket for holding fruit.
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He had a . . . pottle of strawberries in one hand. Dickens.
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Coloq. Pottle draught , taking a pottle of liquor at one draught. [ Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.
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Potto (?), n. (Zoöl.) (a) A nocturnal mammal (Perodictius potto) of the Lemur family, found in West Africa. It has rudimentary forefingers. Called also aposoro, and bush dog. (b) The kinkajou.
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Pott's disease (?). (Med.) Caries of the vertebræ, frequently resulting in curvature of the spine and paralysis of the lower extremities; -- so named from Percival Pott, an English surgeon.
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Coloq. Pott's fracture , a fracture of the lower end of the fibula, with displacement of the tibia. Dunglison.
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Potulent (?), a. [L. potulentus, fr. potus a drinking, drink, fr. potare to drink.] 1. Fit to drink; potable. [Obs.] Johnson.
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2. Nearly drunk; tipsy. [Obs.]
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Pot-valiant (?), a. Having the courage given by drink. Smollett.
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Pot-walloper (?), n. 1. A voter in certain boroughs of England, where, before the passage of the reform bill of 1832, the qualification for suffrage was to have boiled (walloped) his own pot in the parish for six months.
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2. One who cleans pots; a scullion. [Slang, U. S.]
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Pouch (?), n. [F. poche a pocket, pouch, bag; probably of Teutonic origin. See a bag, and cf. to cook eggs, to plunder.] 1. A small bag; usually, a leathern bag; as, a pouch for money; a shot pouch; a mail pouch, etc.
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2. That which is shaped like, or used as, a pouch; as: (a) A protuberant belly; a paunch; -- so called in ridicule. (b) (Zoöl.) A sac or bag for carrying food or young; as, the cheek pouches of certain rodents, and the pouch of marsupials. (c) (Med.) A cyst or sac containing fluid. S. Sharp. (d) (Bot.) A silicle, or short pod, as of the shepherd's purse. (e) A bulkhead in the hold of a vessel, to prevent grain, etc., from shifting.
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Coloq. Pouch mouth , a mouth with blubbered or swollen lips.
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Pouch, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pouched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Pouching.] 1. To put or take into a pouch.
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2. To swallow; -- said of fowls. Derham.
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3. To pout. [Obs.] Ainsworth.
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4. To pocket; to put up with. [R.] Sir W. Scott.
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Pouched (?), a. (Zoöl.) (a) Having a marsupial pouch; as, the pouched badger, or the wombat. (b) Having external cheek pouches; as, the pouched gopher. (c) Having internal cheek pouches; as, the pouched squirrels.
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Coloq. Pouched dog . (Zoöl.) See Zebra wolf, under . -- Coloq. Pouched frog (Zoöl.), the nototrema, the female of which has a dorsal pouch in which the eggs are hatched, and in which the young pass through their brief tadpole stage. -- Coloq. Pouched gopher , or Coloq. Pouched rat . (Zoöl.) See Pocket gopher, under . -- Coloq. Pouched mouse . (Zoöl.) See Pocket mouse, under .
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Pouchet box (?). See .
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Pouch-mouthed (?), a. Having a pouch mouth; blobber-lipped.
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Pouchong (?), n. A superior kind of souchong tea. De Colange.
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Pouch-shell (?), n. (Zoöl.) A small British and American pond snail (Bulinus hypnorum).
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Poudre (?), n. [See .] Dust; powder. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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Coloq. Poudre marchant [see ], a kind of flavoring powder used in the Middle Ages. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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Poudrette (?), n. [F., dim. of poudre dust, powder. See .] A manure made from night soil, dried and mixed with charcoal, gypsum, etc.
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{ Pouf, Pouffe } (p�f), n. [Written also pouff.] [F. pouf. Cf. , n.] Lit., a puff; specif.: (a) A soft cushion, esp. one circular in shape and not, like a pillow, of bag form, or thin at the edges. (b) A piece of furniture like an ottoman, generally circular and affording cushion seats on all sides.
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Poulaine (?), n. [F. soulier à la poulaine.] A long pointed shoe. See .
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Poulard (p�lärd), n. [F. poularde pullet, fr. poule hen. See .] (Zoöl.) A pullet from which the ovaries have been removed to produce fattening; hence, a fat pullet.
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Pouldavis (?), n. Same as . [Obs.]
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Poulder (?), n. & v. Powder. [Obs.]
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Pouldron (?), n. See .
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{ Poulp, Poulpe (?) }, n. [F. poulpe, fr. L. polypus. See .] (Zoöl.) Same as .
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Coloq. Musk poulp (Zoöl.), a Mediterranean octopod (Eledone moschata) which emits a strong odor of musk.
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Poult (?), n. [OF. pulte, F. poulet, dim. of poule fowl. See .] A young chicken, partridge, grouse, or the like. King. Chapman.
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Starling the heath poults or black game. R. Jefferise.
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Poulter (?), n. [OE. pulter. See Poult.] A poulterer. [Obs.] Shak.
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Poulterer (?), n. One who deals in poultry.
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Poultice (?), n. [L. puls, pl. pultes, a thick pap; akin to Gr. poltos. Cf. seeds.] A soft composition, as of bread, bran, or a mucilaginous substance, to be applied to sores, inflamed parts of the body, etc.; a cataplasm. “Poultice relaxeth the pores.” Bacon.
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Poultice, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Poulticed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Poulticing (?).] To apply a poultice to; to dress with a poultice.
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Poultive (?), n. A poultice. [Obs.] W. Temple.
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Poultry (?), n. [From .] Domestic fowls reared for the table, or for their eggs or feathers, such as cocks and hens, capons, turkeys, ducks, and geese.
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Pounce (?), n. [F. ponce pumice, pounce, fr. L. pumex, -icis, pumice. See .] 1. A fine powder, as of sandarac, or cuttlefish bone, -- formerly used to prevent ink from spreading on manuscript.
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