Po"tent (?), 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 Host a landlord, Am, and cf. Despot, Podesta, Possible, Power, Puissant.] 1. Producing great physical effects; forcible; powerful' efficacious; as, a potent medicine. "Harsh and potent injuries."
Shak.
Moses once more his potent rod extends.
Milton.
2. Having great authority, control, or dominion; puissant; mighty; influential; as, a potent prince. "A potent dukedom."
Shak.
Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors.
Shak.
3. Powerful, in an intellectual or moral sense; having great influence; as, potent interest; a potent argument.
Cross potent. Her. See Illust. (7) of Cross.
Syn. -- Powerful; mighty; puissant; strong; able; efficient; forcible; efficacious; cogent; influential.
© Webster 1913.
Po"tent, n. 1. A prince; a potentate. [Obs.]
Shak.
2. [See Potence.] A staff or crutch. [Obs.]
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.
Counter potent Her., a fur differing from potent in the arrangement of the patches.
© Webster 1913. | 
