a. [ F., originally, a p. pr. formed fr. L. posse to be able: cf. L. potens powerful. See Potent. ] Powerful; strong; mighty; forcible; as, a puissant prince or empire. “ Puissant deeds.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Of puissant nations which the world possessed. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

And worldlings in it are less merciful,
And more puissant. Mrs. Browning. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a puissant manner; powerfully; with great strength. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The state or quality of being puissant; puissance; power. [ 1913 Webster ]