| 释义 |
impuissance|ɪmˈpjuːɪsəns|
[a. F. impuissance (1361 in Littré): see im-2 and puissance. (By the Brownings stressed impuˈissance.)]
1. Impotence, powerlessness, weakness.
1483Caxton Gold. Leg. 1/1 (R. Suppl.) In tyme whan man was vaynquysshed of ignoraunce and impuissaunce. 1602Patericke tr. Gentillet 26 An impuissance to conserve himself. 1645City Alarum 9 We have always hoodwinkt our selves with conceits of the kings impuissance till it came to tryal. 1762Sterne Tr. Shandy V. xvi, He lay under an impuissance..of advancing above a line and a half in the compass of a whole summer's day. 1855Browning Saul xviii, Why is it I dare Think but lightly of such impuissance? 1856Mrs. Browning Aur. Leigh ix. 469, I felt myself So safe in impuissance and despair I could not hurt you. 1884Browning Ferishtah, Cherries, Never too much of faith In impuissance, man's.
†2. Want of self-control; cf. impotence 3. Obs.
1667Waterhouse Fire Lond. 95 When the light of reason is under a Bushel of passion; and impuissance is regent in the soul.
So † imˈpuissancy [see -ancy]. Obs. rare—1.
1701Beverley Apoc. Quest. 39 An Image of Supremacy; and yet Impuissancy. |