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单词 strength
释义

strengthn.

Brit. /strɛŋ(k)θ/, /strɛnθ/, U.S. /strɛŋ(k)θ/
Forms:

α. Old English stræncgþ, Old English stræncþ, Old English stræncð, Old English strængþ, Old English strængð, Old English strencgþ, Old English strencgðu, Old English strencþ, Old English strencð, Old English strengþo, Old English strengþu, Old English strengð, Old English strengðo, Old English strengðu, Old English strenð, Old English strenðo, Old English strenðu, Old English (rare)–early Middle English strengðe, Old English (rare)–early Middle English strenðe, Old English–Middle English strengþ, Old English (rare)–Middle English strengþe, Old English–Middle English strenþ, late Old English strægncðe (accusative), late Old English streangðe (dative), late Old English strecþes (plural, transmission error), late Old English streingþo (Kentish), late Old English streongðe, early Middle English strægnðe, early Middle English strænchþe, early Middle English strecðe (probably transmission error), early Middle English stregðe (probably transmission error), early Middle English streinde (probably transmission error), early Middle English streinðe, early Middle English strenchðe, early Middle English strencðe, early Middle English strengðhe, early Middle English strenhcþe, early Middle English strenhðe, early Middle English strenncþe ( Ormulum), Middle English stenth (transmission error), Middle English stenþe (transmission error), Middle English sthrengthe, Middle English stranþe (south-western), Middle English strayngth, Middle English straynþe, Middle English streghth (probably transmission error), Middle English stregth (probably transmission error), Middle English stregþe (probably transmission error), Middle English streinþ, Middle English streinþe, Middle English strencth, Middle English strencþe, Middle English strenghþe, Middle English strenghye (north-west midlands), Middle English strengthȝe (East Anglian), Middle English strengye (chiefly east midlands and East Anglian), Middle English strenȝth, Middle English strenȝthe, Middle English strenȝþ, Middle English strenȝþe, Middle English strenȝye (north-west midlands), Middle English strenhgth, Middle English strenkth, Middle English strenkthe, Middle English strenkþ, Middle English strenkþe, Middle English strenkye (northern and East Anglian), Middle English strennthe, Middle English strenþe, Middle English strenye (chiefly north midlands), Middle English strenynth (in a late copy, perhaps transmission error), Middle English streyngth, Middle English streyngþe, Middle English streynȝþe, Middle English streynkthe, Middle English streynkþe, Middle English streynþ, Middle English streynþe, Middle English streyth (transmission error), Middle English streythe (transmission error), Middle English stringþe, Middle English strinth, Middle English strinthe, Middle English strncþe (transmission error), Middle English strougth (transmission error), Middle English stryngthe, Middle English stryngþe, Middle English strynkth, Middle English strynþe, Middle English threynthe (transmission error), Middle English–1500s strenghthe, Middle English–1500s strenthe, Middle English–1500s streyngthe, Middle English–1500s streynth, Middle English–1500s streynthe, Middle English–1500s stryngth, Middle English–1500s strynth, Middle English 1600s streinth, Middle English–1600s strenghth, Middle English–1600s strengthe, Middle English– strength, Middle English– strenth (now English regional (northern and north midlands) and U.S. regional), 1500s sthrength, 1500s stranghth, 1500s strencthe, 1800s strangth (U.S. regional (Virginia)), 1800s– stren'th (English regional (Yorkshire)); Scottish pre-1700 strainth, pre-1700 strainthe, pre-1700 stranth, pre-1700 stranthth, pre-1700 streinth, pre-1700 streinþe, pre-1700 strencth, pre-1700 strengthe, pre-1700 strenthe, pre-1700 streynth, pre-1700 strinthe, pre-1700 strynth, pre-1700 strynthe, pre-1700 1700s– strength, pre-1700 1700s– strenth, pre-1700 1900s– strinth, 1800s stren'th, 2000s– stringth.

β. Old English (rare)–Middle English strengeþ, Middle English streketh (probably transmission error), Middle English strengethe, Middle English strengeþe, Middle English strenghethis (plural), Middle English strengith, Middle English strengiþ, Middle English strengyth, Middle English strengythe, Middle English strenketh, Middle English strenkeþ, Middle English strenkeþe, Middle English strenkith, Middle English strenkiþ, Middle English strenkyth, Middle English strenkyþ, Middle English streynketh, Middle English streynkeþ, Middle English strynkyth, Middle English–1500s strengeth, 1600s strenyth; Scottish pre-1700 strenith, pre-1700 strenythe.

γ. Middle English streght (probably transmission error), Middle English streight (probably transmission error), Middle English strenghtt, Middle English strenȝght, Middle English strenȝt, Middle English strenȝte, Middle English strenht, Middle English strenkht, Middle English strenyt (transmission error), Middle English streyght (probably transmission error), Middle English streyint, Middle English streynght, Middle English streynghte, Middle English stringht, Middle English strinht, Middle English strynght, Middle English strynghte, Middle English strynt, Middle English threnȝhtre (transmission error), Middle English–1500s strenghte, Middle English–1700s strenght, Middle English (1800s English regional (Yorkshire)) strent, 1500s streinght, 1500s strengt, 1500s strengte; Scottish pre-1700 strenchtis (plural), pre-1700 strenght, pre-1700 stryncht, pre-1700 strynt, pre-1700 (1800s– Orkney and Shetland) strent.

δ. chiefly west midlands and northern Middle English strengeht, Middle English strenget, Middle English strenket, Middle English strenkit, Middle English strenkyght (in a late copy).

ε. Middle English strengtht, Middle English streyngtht; Scottish pre-1700 strentht, pre-1700 strintht, pre-1700 stryntht.

ζ. U.S. regional, chiefly in African-American usage 1800s strenk, 1900s– strank (Cajun English), 1900s– strengk.

Origin: A word inherited from Germanic.
Etymology: Cognate with Old High German strengida < the Germanic base of strong adj. + the Germanic base of -th suffix1 2. For a parallel formation from the same Germanic base, but without the dental suffix, compare strengh n.Form history. Compare length n. with similar variation in form. In Old English a strong feminine (ō -stem), which (in common with other de-adjectival nouns reflecting the Germanic suffix -th suffix1 2) exhibits much variation in presence or absence of final -u (or -o ) in the nominative singular, and sometimes also shows this ending levelled to oblique cases (compare e.g. quots. OE1, OE2 at sense 1a(a)). See further R. M. Hogg & R. D. Fulk Gram. Old Eng. (2011) II. §§2.37, 3.96, 98. The Middle English α. forms with y representing the dental fricative (e.g. strengye) are from texts which show no distinction between the letter forms y and þ . With the final plosive in γ. and δ. forms compare -t suffix3 2 and the variation seen at height n. The disyllabic β. and δ. forms apparently show an epenthetic vowel in a phonetically complex consonant cluster; compare similar forms at e.g. length n., youngth n., and depth n. The α. , γ. , and ε. forms without the velar (e.g. strenth at α. forms) show a simplification of the same cluster. The ε. forms probably show a purely graphic variation of the α. forms. Forms with ei (attested from late Old English onwards) show diphthongization before ngþ , nct and similar clusters (compare the past tense and past participle forms at quench v. for examples of a parallel development: see discussion in C. Jones Hist. Eng. Phonology (1988) 162–3). Middle English, Older Scots, and regional forms with stem vowel i show raising of e before n plus consonant (see R. Jordan Handb. der mittelenglischen Grammatik (ed. 2, 1934) §34.2 and A. J. Aitken & C. Macafee Older Sc. Vowels (2002) §14.15.(9)). The ζ. forms show simplification of the final consonant cluster in some (chiefly African-American) varieties of U.S. English. (By contrast, the late Middle English and early modern English form strenke probably shows a variant of strengh n.) Use of plural forms. With occasional early uses of the plural in collective sense (compare e.g. sense 1c(b)) compare similar uses of the classical Latin plural form vīrēs (see vis n.2). Notes on specific senses. Earlier currency of sense 10b is perhaps shown by the following example (see M. K. Mincoff Die Bedeutungsentwicklung der ags. Ausdrücke für ‘Kraft’ & ‘Macht’ (1933) 91):OE Blickling Homilies 151 Hie þa ongunnon mid sweordum & mid strengþum þyder gan, þohton þæt hie woldan ofslean þa apostolas.However, the precise sense intended is unclear, and strengþum seems likely ultimately to have originated in a misreading of stengum ‘staves’ (see sting n.1, and compare the Latin source ( Transitus Mariae §38): Et exsurgentes abierunt cum gladiis et fustibus occidere apostolos ). In sense 12b ultimately after classical Latin potestās phonetic or phonemic value of a letter in an alphabet (see potestas n.).
I. The quality or condition of being strong; an instance of this.
1. Individual or collective power or resilience; an individual's or unit's power or resilience.After a plural possessive the noun may be either singular or plural.
a. Power or resilience, whether physical, mental, or due to the possession of resources; capacity for effective action or resistance; efficiency, vigour.
(a) Without specification.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > [noun] > strong or powerful
craftOE
strengthOE
powerc1300
forcec1340
foisona1400
ability?1473
potence1483
potencya1500
valency1623
potentiality1627
potentialness1668
muscularity1871
firepower1945
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > high intelligence, genius > [noun] > breadth, depth, strength of intellect
strengthOE
largenessa1382
profoundnessc1475
breadth1532
profundity1559
amplitude1575
deptha1593
powerfulnessc1595
universality1605
fathoma1616
spaciousness1657
comprehensiveness1683
grasp1683
altitudo1933
OE Genesis A (1931) 950 Him on laste beleac..wynna hihtfulne ham halig engel;..se weard hafað miht and strengðo.
OE St. Margaret (Tiber.) (1994) 124 Þu eart geleafan trymnysse and ælcra snotra fruma and æghwylcre strengþo staþol.
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) 470 Þet tu mahe stihen to understonden in him godes muchele strencðe.
c1390 Castle of Love (Vernon) (1967) 534 We beoþ on in one fulnesse, In miht, in strengþe, and in heiȝnesse.
c1400 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) III. 478 Þer wittes ben þinne, þer strynthe littel, þer tyme schort, to study and teche holy writte.
a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich Hist. Holy Grail xix. l. 218 (MED) To stryven Aȝens hire Baronye Sche ne hadde non strengthe.
1551 T. Wilson Rule of Reason sig. Dj The natural strength, is an aptnes of nature, geuen either to the body, or to the mynd.
1560 Bible (Geneva) Isa. xl. 31 They that waite vpon the Lord, shal renue their strength.
1562 in Sel. Rec. Kirk. Session Aberd. (Spalding Club) 5 Quhow God suld be lowit,..wirshipped allanerlie, with the haill man, saull, hart, mynd, mycht, and stryncht.
1597 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet iv. i. 72 If..Thou hast the strength or will to slay thy selfe.
1662 P. Gunning Paschal or Lent-Fast 51 As Nazianzen above attemperating his example to our strength.
1737 G. Lillo Fatal Curiosity i. ii. 16 Your dreams..may excite to vigilance and care, In some important hour; when all our weakness Shall be attacked, and all our strength be needful.
1785 Town & Country Mag. Dec. 662/1 The pancrastian exercise..was one of the most laborious of all the athletic exercises used in the games of ancient Greece; since it required an exertion of every kind of strength.
1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby xxii. 214 You could write us a piece to bring out the whole strength of the company.
1859 J. Martineau Ess. Philos. & Theol. (1866) 1st Ser. 73 So far we think Mr. Mill's strength as great here as elsewhere.
1909 G. Stein Three Lives 107 Now she was weakened in all her kinds of strength by her drinking.
1968 P. Lovesey Kings of Distance 178 Our overall strength is evidenced by the number of British runners who appear in world ranking lists.
1992 P. M. Morley Discipleship for Man in Mirror xviii. 275 We do not personally do all the work of ministry, but synergistically leverage our strengths with the strengths of our co-laborers.
(b) With specifying adjective, as in bodily strength, moral strength, etc. Also with of (in earliest use †genitive of) and following attribute, as in strength of character, strength of purpose, etc.See also by (also with) strength of at Phrases 2a.
ΚΠ
OE tr. Bede Eccl. Hist. (Cambr. Univ. Libr.) i. ix. 46 Ac hi manedon & lærdon þæt hi him wæpno worhton & modes strengðo naman.
lOE tr. R. d'Escures Sermo in Festis Sancte Marie Virginis in R. D.-N. Warner Early Eng. Homilies (1917) 137 Ne tweonige nane mæn,..þæt hire Sune..hire gehulpe mid þære godcunden strængðe þe heo on him wyste.
a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) 5898 Þe gudes of kynd er bodily strenthe,..And delyvernes and bewte of body.
1481 tr. Cicero De Senectute (Caxton) sig. h1 Of so grete age that he..shuld be of easy power of bodily strength to make any more werre ayenst Cartage.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. BBBiiiv The more perfetly the lyght of gostly strength shall shyne in vs.
1564 A. Golding tr. Justinus Hist. Trogus Pompeius xv. f. 77 In hautinesse of courage..and in strength of body, he farre excelled all.
1619 T. Matthew Prayer for Love of God in Widdowes Mite 190 A soule that might the seate of Vertues be, Of Iustice, Temperance, Prudence, Strength of mind, [etc.].
a1631 J. Donne Serm. (1958) IX. iv. 123 Come humbly to the reading and hearing of the Scriptures, and thou shalt have strength of understanding.
a1677 I. Barrow Several Serm. Evil-speaking (1678) ii. 49 Recreations..consisting meerly in rustical efforts, or in petty sleights of bodily strength and activity.
1700 E. Young Two Serm. iii. 26 Our Moral Strength lies not in our Soul.
a1716 R. South 12 Serm. (1717) VI. 259 He withholds that from thee, which he knows thy spiritual Strengths are not able to bear.
1724 Briton No. 27. 118 The Military Strength of out neighbouring States was trifling, when compared with the formidable Army we maintain.
1738 J. Bancks Misc. Wks. I. 49 Thy Genius, bold, expressive, warm, In Strength of Character can show.
1759 S. Johnson Prince of Abissinia I. viii. 50 Discovering in me great strength of memory, and quickness of apprehension.
1798 Bp. R. Watson Addr. People Great Brit. 29 The physical strength of the bulk of a nation is irresistible, but it is incapable of self-direction.
1822 Ann. Reg. 1820 9/2 The firmness and strength of purpose, which the same letters exhibit, should be the theme of different and higher praise.
1832 Fraser's Mag. 6 487 The want of mental strength rendering them so peculiarly suasible, that they possess no powers of resistance.
1870 E. B. Foote Plain Home Talk i. ii. 47 Exercise of the moral faculties develops the moral strength of the man, and this moral strength makes him mentally buoyant, courageous, and happy.
1920 Amer. Woman Aug. 2/1 New ideals of muscular strength and manly prowess.
1950 M. Bottrall Divine Image iv. 95 Neither strength of intellect nor strength of will can make a man an artist.
2013 Times (Nexis) 27 Feb. 39 It takes a certain strength of character to face down the kind of institutional sexism that still dominates [in politics].
b. The quality or state of being physically strong.
(a) Physical power or stamina; ability to exert muscular force; (also) athletic prowess, brawn.by main strength: see main adj.2 2c. try-your-strength: see try v. 11h.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > [noun]
mighteOE
avelOE
mainOE
strengthOE
strengthOE
virtuec1330
forcea1375
birr1382
valure1440
firmitude?1541
thews1566
iron1695
invalescence1755
physicals1824
beef1851
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > athletics > [noun] > athlete > quality of
strengthOE
athleticism1835
athletism1854
OE Homily: Be rihtan Cristendome (Hatton 113) in A. S. Napier Wulfstan (1883) 147 Se hæfde Samsones strengðe, se wæs ealra eorðwarena strengest.
a1225 (c1200) Vices & Virtues (1888) 93 Ðe lichame none strencþe ne mai habben wið-uten bonen.
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) 6136 (MED) Edmond vor is strengþe [c1425 Harl. strenge] was ycluped yrensyde.
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) 3047 Ȝyf þou for strenkþe be mysproute, And hast bostful wrdys and loude.
c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 84 Of his stature he was of euene lengthe And wonderly delyuere and of greet strengthe.
a1425 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 211 (MED) Sampson lost his strengthe þer fore.
c1450 MS Douce 52 in Festschrift zum XII. Neuphilologentage (1906) 54 (MED) Strenhgth mowes downe þe medow.
?1473 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Recuyell Hist. Troye (1894) I. lf. 120v He put hem a backe by naturell strength and force many tymes.
1508 Golagros & Gawane (Chepman & Myllar) sig. b War al your strenthis in ane In his grippis and ye gane He wald ourcum yow ilkane.
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry i. f. 14 Some woorkes require strength more then skill.
?1592 Trag. Solyman & Perseda i. iii. 5 Put Lambe-like mildenes to your Lyons strength.
1633 T. James Strange Voy. 49 We heaued to the vttermost of our strengths.
1664 S. Butler Hudibras: Second Pt. ii. ii. 127 Quitting both their swords, and rains, They grasp'd with al their strength the manes.
1695 M. Micklethwait tr. Hist. Olivaires of Castile xvi. 63 They exposed themselves a prey to the Waves, Swimming as long as their strengths would endure, which was but for a small time.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 144 Getting one [block of wood] as big as I had Strength to stir, I rounded it.
1732 B. Robinson Treat. Animal Oecon. 101 A frequent Increase of this Force in Muscles much moved must of Necessity increase both their Magnitudes and Strengths.
1809 Literary Panorama May 369 It was agreed to try their respective strengths in a pitched battle.
1832 D. Brewster Lett. Nat. Magic x. 246 His feats were exhibitions of skill and not of strength.
1868 Field 4 July 14/3 London rowed in very good form, but lacked strength and dash.
1888 F. Hume Madame Midas i. Prol. 16 You have strength, I have brains.
1920 Our Paper 2 July 323/1 A gorilla 4 feet 6 in height, has the strength of four strong men.
1970 Taban lo Liyong Eating Chiefs ii. 38 On a day intense with omens, the two brotherly bulls measured out their strengths.
2003 Muscle & Fitness Jan. 152/2 Powerlifting stimulates the muscles in a manner that primarily builds strength.
(b) Soundness of body; health, vigour, esp. in contrast with weakness due to illness, fatigue, age, immaturity, etc. Also: energy or capacity for action; fitness for or to do a specified activity.Occasionally as a count noun, †collective plural for singular.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > [noun] > good health
healOE
healthc1000
strengthOE
soundc1275
hailc1300
halec1330
quartc1330
liege poustie1340
plight1394
soundness1398
sanity?a1475
quartfulness1483
healthfulness?1535
symmetry?1541
flesh1548
good liking?1560
well-being1561
valetude1575
safeness1576
kilter1582
mens sana in corpore sanoc1605
eucrasy1607
sanitude1652
salubrity1654
wellness1654
healthiness1670
vegeteness1678
wholesome1738
haleness1815
able-bodiedness1857
the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > [noun]
mighteOE
avelOE
mainOE
strengthOE
strengthOE
virtuec1330
forcea1375
birr1382
valure1440
firmitude?1541
thews1566
iron1695
invalescence1755
physicals1824
beef1851
OE Ælfric Catholic Homilies: 2nd Ser. (Cambr. Gg.3.28) v. 44 Swa swa se fulfremeda wæstm bið on fulre strencðe þeonde.
OE Lambeth Psalter lxxxix. 10 Dies annorum nostrorum in ipsis septuaginta annis, si autem in potentatibus octoginta anni : ura geara dagas on þam hundseofontigum gærum þæh þe beon on stræncþum hundheahtatig gær.
c1230 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Corpus Cambr.) (1962) 211 Þe oþer half ȝer feasten al bute sunne dahes ane hwen ȝe beoð in heale & i ful strengðe.
c1300 Holy Cross (Laud) l. 164 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 6 Þe strencþe him failede in is limes; is bodi bi-cam al cold.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) Judges xv. 19 Watrys wentyn out of it, þe whiche drunkyn he [sc. Samson] fedde þe spirit: & strenkthis [L. vires] tooc aȝeen.
c1390 (a1376) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Vernon) (1867) A. viii. l. 83 Olde Men and hore þat helples beoþ of strengþe.
c1480 (a1400) St. Clement 438 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 385 Þe fadyr þane strynth cane tyne. In swonyng þane he fel flat brad.
c1480 (a1400) St. Eugenia 274 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 132 Fevrys..þat trawalit hir hard & hat, & of strinthis mad hyr mat.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Boke yf Eneydos xxviii. sig. Hij Dydo..thre tymes made her effort to reyse her self vpon her elbowe. But her strengthes..myght not therto suffyse.
1544 P. Betham tr. J. di Porcia Preceptes Warre i. clxiv. sig. H vjv Sparyng nothynge, yt they maye be healed and may haue theyr strength restored.
1548 W. Lynne tr. Urbanus Regius Serm. Fayth in tr. M. Luther Frutefull & Godly Expos. Kyngdom of Christ sig. Kiij We go..to bedde..that our body may restore and renewe his strenghtes.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 (2nd issue) iii. i. 41 It is but as a body yet distempered, Which to his former strength may be restored, With good aduise and little medicine. View more context for this quotation
1618 W. Lawson New Orchard & Garden vii. 17 I haue knowne a tree tainted in setting, yet grow, and beare blossoms..and yet for want of strength could neuer shape his friuctt [sic].
1662 J. Degravere Thesaurus Remediorum (ed. 2) 35 The full Dose is the whole Medicine, for Men and Women of strength.
1680 Bp. G. Burnet Some Passages Life Rochester 166 How have many wasted their strength, brought many Diseases on their Bodies, and precipitated their Age in the pursuit of those things?
1716 E. Strother Criticon Febrium iv. 126 The Strengths of the Patient are disproportionate to the Symptoms.
1748 J. Whytt Let. 1 Jan. in Minutes of Evid. Nairne Peerage (1873) 125 in Sessional Papers House of Lords (H.L. A) XII. 65 You may..assure Mrs. Brown that her son is recovering strength daily.
1776 Trial Maha Rajah Nundocomar for Forgery 32/2 He has not strength to undergo any examination, after the fatigue of bringing him to court.
1848 E. C. Gaskell Mary Barton I. xi. 203 Her sorrow exhausted her body by its power, and she seemed to have no strength left for crying.
1875 J. Rhoades Timoleon ii. ii. 70 Here those that led took counsel, and the most Bade halt till morning, and repose our strengths, Faint with long fast and travel.
1921 R. Sabatini Scaramouche (U.S. ed.) ii. i. 89 With what little strength remained him, André-Louis climbed by one of these and landed safely at the top.
1973 P. O'Brian HMS Surprise viii. 228 We shall operate as soon as there is light enough, if his strength recovers a little in the night.
2011 H. Bonde Damned if I do, Dead if I Don't 22 I was exhausted from trying to act as if all was well. I had no strength left to keep pretending that it was and that I was healthy.
c. The emotional or mental resilience necessary for dealing with difficult or distressing situations; capacity for moral courage, rigour, or endurance. Formerly also: †fortitude as one of the cardinal virtues (obsolete).
(a) In singular.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > [noun] > capacity for moral effort or endurance
thildc950
strengthOE
dureec1330
rankc1400
tolerance1412
adamant1445
toleration1531
validity1578
durance1579
bent1604
strongness1650
duress1651
strength1667
durableness1740
stamina1803
willpower1842
backbone1843
thewness1860
sand1867
upbearing1885
wiriness1892
gut1893
sisu1926
OE Ælfric Lives of Saints (Julius) (1881) I. 20 Þæt feorðe mægen is Fortitudo, þæt is strængð [c1175 Bodl. 343 strenhðe] oððe anrednyss.
lOE tr. Alcuin De Virtutibus et Vitiis (Vesp.) in R. D.-N. Warner Early Eng. Homilies (1917) 97 Oft God cunneð mid his swinglen,..on hwylcre strængðe he aræfne þa costnunge, þe him on becumð.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 5519 Þe feorþe ȝife off haliȝ gast Iss strenncþe ȝæn þe deofell.
a1333 in C. Brown Relig. Lyrics 14th Cent. (1924) 21 Com, shuppere holy gost... Þer oure body is leoþe-wok ȝyf strengþe vrom aboue.
c1390 Castle of Love (Vernon) (1967) 801 (MED) Foure vertues cardinals þer beoþ; Þat is, strengþe and sleihschupe, Rihtfulnesse and worschupe.
?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (BL Add. 10340) (1868) i. pr. iv. l. 251 Þo .I. þat hadde gadered strenkeþ in my corage answered[e] and seide [etc.].
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Parson's Tale (Ellesmere) (1877) §728 Agayns this horrible synne of Accidie..ther is a vertu, that is called fortitudo or strengthe.
a1425 St. Lucy l. 155 in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1881) 2nd Ser. 18 Swilk strenkith god sent to hir.
1567 Gude & Godlie Ballatis (S.T.S.) 34 Faithfull is God, and on ȝow hes pietie, And will not thole ȝow temp[t]it for to be, Aboue ȝour strenth.
a1637 B. Jonson Timber 8 in Wks. (1640) III He knowes not his own strength, that hath not met Adversity.
1668 J. Owen Nature Indwelling-sin x. 142 This therefore ought a Believer diligently to attend unto, namely, that every thing he doth to God, be done in the strength of Christ.
1779 W. Cowper Human Frailty 19 A stranger to superior strength, Man vainly trusts his own.
1855 Ld. Tennyson Will 11 But ill for him who, bettering not with time, Corrupts the strength of heaven-descended Will.
1878 J. Payn By Proxy (ed. 2) I. xix. 219 The judgment..has..fallen upon me. And, thank goodness, I have strength to bear it.
1922 Bridgeport (Connecticut) Telegram 11 May 12/1 I wasn't equal to defending them even against opposition. It took all my strength to put down my own quailings.
1980 B. MacLaverty Lamb (1981) xvii. 141 When the time came, would he have the strength? Was he capable of such an act?
2011 H. Andrews Brit. on Holiday viii. 228 The characteristics..include a sense of fair play, loyalty and strength in adversity.
(b) plural in collective sense for singular. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1225 (?c1200) Sawles Warde (Bodl.) (1938) 20 (MED) Ne mei me na þing heardes offearen ne nowcin ne na wone falsi min heorte ne wursi mi bileaue towart him þet ȝeueð me alle mine strengðen [c1225 Royal strencðen].
c1350 Psalter (BL Add. 17376) in K. D. Bülbring Earliest Compl. Eng. Prose Psalter (1891) lviii. 10 (MED) Y shal kepe to þe myn strengþes, for God is my taker, my God.
c1400 Bk. to Mother (Laud) 12 (MED) With his frut he fedde me þat my strenghþes fayle not in tribulacioun.
c1460 Tree & 12 Frutes (McClean) (1960) 30 (MED) He hathe yif me also a body with wittes, a soule with strengthes, [etc.].
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. iii. xx. f. 232 For wheresoeuer the name of God is knowen, it can not be but that his strengthes, power, goodnesse, wisdome, righteousnesse, mercie, and truthe must shewe foorth themselues.
1653 Bp. J. Taylor Golden Grove: Winter v. 65 [Want of attendance to the sense and intention of our prayers] is only so remedyed as our prayers are made zealous, and our infirmities passe into the strengths of the Spirit.
d. Superior power exerted for conquest or compulsion; wrongful force, violence. In plural: †acts of violence (obsolete). Now rare.In later quots. merely contextual uses of senses 1b(a), 1e.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > violent behaviour > [noun] > violent treatment or force
strong handOE
strengthOE
strenghc1300
violencec1300
mightc1325
stuntisea1327
forcea1340
enforcing138.
forcinga1382
forcenessc1400
violation?c1500
efforce1549
enforcement1577
Stafford law1589
vexation1605
club-law1612
aspertee1660
physical force1716
strong arm1836
savaging1858
muscle1879
strong-arming1906
OE tr. Apollonius of Tyre (1958) i. 2 He..þa ongeanwinnendan fæmnan mid micelre strengðe earfoðlice ofercom.
lOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) anno 1119 Sume þa castelas he mid strengðe genam.
?a1160 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1137 He begæt in landes þat rice men hefden mid strengthe.
a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1873) 2nd Ser. 179 And ȝif he net him to ȝiuene, þat beoð strengðe, and refloc, and brecð grið þar he hit healde sholde.
a1225 (?c1175) Poema Morale (Lamb.) 168 in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 169 (MED) Ne scal him na mon mene þer of strengþe ne of wronge.
c1300 (?c1225) King Horn (Laud) (1901) 1084 Mody Myd strencþe hyre hadde And in to toure ladde.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 673 Nembrot nam wið strengðhe ðat lond, And helde ðe tur o babel in his hond.
c1330 Gregorius (Auch.) (1914) 621 Þo was þe douke wiþ strengþe y take, And brouȝt to þe conteise sone.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Coll. Phys.) l. 19323 To þe tempil þan þai giede, Þa postlis to þair curte to lede, Bot strenþes nane did þai þaim til.
c1400 Brut (Rawl. B. 171) 54 Þai hade descomfitede him biforn-hand, and dryuen him out by strengþ.
?a1425 (c1400) Mandeville's Trav. (Titus C.xvi) (1919) 23 On þat was clept Guytoga..made him Soudan be strengthe.
a1450 (?c1350) Pride of Life l. 332 in N. Davis Non-Cycle Plays & Fragm. (1970) 100 Med is mad a demisma[n], Streyint betit þe [MS bet it ȝe] lau.
1464 in Statutes Parl. Ireland (1914) III. 187 To resist the malicieux porposes, might, and strayngth of your forsaid Irishe Enemyez.
?1548 Pathose sig. B6 O Mars Mauors With strength and force Reuenge..Thys tresspasse cruell.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iii. ii. 173 As one that graspt And tugg'd for Life, and was by strength subdude. View more context for this quotation
1667 R. Allestree Causes Decay Christian Piety v. 111 They would soon find how impotent Assailants they had to deal with, who can never subdue any man by strength, who is not first Emasculated by his own fears.
1755 W. Guthrie tr. Cicero Offices i. xi. 22 If we are to regard those Enemies whom we conquer by Strength, we are likewise to protect those who throw themselves upon the Honour of our General.
1800 G. Wakefield tr. Dio Chrysostom Sel. Ess. 143 Other creatures they overcome by strength, but men by stratagem.
2012 P. J. Davis tr. Ovid in B. K. Gold Comp. Rom. Love Elegy xvii. 454 She was overcome by strength, so we must believe: but she wanted to be overcome by strength.
e. Military capability in warfare; offensive or defensive capacity. In later use chiefly: military, naval, or (now) air power derived from numbers, equipment, or resources. Also figurative. Formerly also as count noun. Not always clearly distinguishable from sense 10c.Recorded earliest in the compound main-strength (cf. mainstrong adj.).
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military power > [noun]
swordc1000
strengthOE
powerc1300
force1303
land-power1490
bayonet1775
sword-arm1838
sabre1851
sword-craft1855
OE Wulfstan God's Threat to Sinning Israel (Nero) 253 Eac ic siges mihte & mægenstrengðe swa micle eow sylle þæt ge eow to gamene feonda afyllaþ.
lOE Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) anno 1106 Ac seo streongðe & se sige wearð þæs cynges.
a1225 (c1200) Vices & Virtues (1888) 27 Ac ne mai non senne ne non dieuel habben strengþe aȝean ðessere gode ileaue.
a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 13 Ah ic eou ȝife siȝe and streinþe.
c1275 (?c1250) Owl & Nightingale (Calig.) (1935) 1713 Moniman mid speres orde Haueþ lutle strencþe & mid his chelde.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) v. l. 7390 (MED) For in the multitude of men Is noght the strengthe, for with ten It hath be sen in trew querele Ayein an hundred false dele, And had the betre of goddes grace.
?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 69 By cause of ȝour ill liffing..and noȝt of oure strenth Godd has giffen it intill oure handes.
c1450 (?a1400) Wars Alexander (Ashm.) l. 1013 We may noȝt stand now in stede oure strenth is [to] febill.
1474 W. Caxton tr. Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iv. ii. 168 For yf he [sc. the king] be taken or ded, or ellis Inclusid and shette vp, Alle the strengthes of alle other faylle and alle Is fynysshid and loste.
?c1510 tr. Newe Landes & People founde by Kynge of Portyngale sig. Divv For if they sholde come out by there strength & hardynesse the[y] wolde conquere all the worlde.
1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. ccxi. 270 b They were desyrous to proue their strengthes agaynst the Christen men.
1592 T. Kyd Spanish Trag. i. sig. B3v Their fight was long,..Their strength alike, their strokes both dangerous.
1629 T. Hobbes tr. Thucydides Eight Bks. Peloponnesian Warre ii. 86 Neither side conceiued small matters, but put their whole strength to the Warre.
1677 W. Hubbard Narr. Troubles with Indians New-Eng. 50 Yet could the Messenger hardly forbear threatning, vapouring of their numbers and strength.
1720 J. Burchett Compl. Hist. Trans. at Sea v. v. 596 The Captain of the Defiance..endeavoured to dissuade him from renewing the Engagement, since he had..tried the Enemy's Strength six Days together with so ill Success.
1792 J. Almon Anecd. Life W. Pitt (octavo ed.) III. xxxix. 51 If our people are united..we have an internal strength sufficient to repel any foreign invasion.
1850 J. S. Blackie tr. Æschylus Lyrical Dramas II. 265 Persia's strength is gone: the army lost: all ruined.
1918 D. Haig Diary 18 Mar. in War Diaries & Lett. 1914–18 (2005) 388 Neither our manpower situation, nor the strength of the Enemy admits our acting on the offensive.
1940 W. S. Churchill Speech 4 June in Blood, Sweat, & Tears (1941) 297 We shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air.
2011 C. B. Robinson Caught Red Starred i. 29 The traditional [Alfred Thayer] Mahan means of establishing a global hierarchy—the size and strength of the country's navy.
f. The influence or power possessed by a person, organization, country, etc., esp. as expressed or considered in political or economic (as distinct from military) terms.Not always clearly distinguishable from sense 1a, ‘capacity for effective action’. Cf. also sense 17.
ΚΠ
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 19686 He flæh off þe land..Wiþþ hise lerninngcnihhtess... Nass he nohht forrdredd off hemm. Noff here [sc. Pharisees'] laþe strenncþe. He–þatt wass godess sune. & godd.
c1300 All Saints (Laud) l. 16 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 418 (MED) Þare was a forbuysne þar-of bi-gonne Longue are þe strencþe of cristinedom on vrþe were i-wonne.
a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1882) v. l. 1490 Þe broþer daun Ethyocles, Ful wrongfully of Thebes held þe strenghþe.
a1450–1500 ( Libel Eng. Policy (1926) l. 817 (MED) Chefely kepe sharply the narowe see Betwene Dover and Caleise..That foes passe not wythought godewyll of us And they abyde oure daunger..What for oure costis and Caleise in oure strenghte.
1549 H. Latimer 1st Serm. before Kynges Grace sig. C.ii I do not entende to speake agaynste the strength, polisie, & prouision of a kyng, but agaynst excesse, and vain trust that kinges haue in theym selues.
1559 in J. Strype Ann. Reformation (1709) I. App. x. 28 The parliament, which I knowledge to be of great strengthe in matters whereunto it extendethe.
c1602 C. Marlowe tr. Ovid Elegies ii. ix. sig. C6 Rome if her strength the huge world had not fild, With strawie cabins now her courts should build.
1697 W. Wynne & D. Powell tr. Caradoc Hist. Wales (rev. ed.) 139 But least he should still be capable of any Revenge, by reason of his Estate and Strength in the Country, Meredith and Owen thought fit to divide his Lands betwixt them.
1707 G. Hickes Two Treat. Pref. cxxii Let us..suppose this Sect grown to great Numbers, and Strength among us.
1747 H. Fielding Dial. Gentleman of London & Honest Alderman 45 No Body which is eternally in a State of Fluctuation can acquire any political Strength.
1762 Brit. Mag. Apr. 208/1 They considerably diminish the naval and commercial strength of France.
1806 Gentleman's Mag. Aug. 764/1 The gradual alterations in grandeur and strength among the Members of the Confederation which they have formed.
1864 L. Blodget (title) The commercial and financial strength of the United States, as shown in the balances of foreign trade and the increased production of staple articles.
1908 Ann. Reg. 1907 i. v. 207 Part of our strength in Europe was due to our reputation of desiring to keep the peace.
1954 V. L. Allen Power in Trade Unions v. 63 The size of his union determines the status of his union and its strength.
2007 R. Jackson Sovereignty ii. 32 Significant levels of authority..which contributed to the weakness rather than the strength of kings and kingdoms.
2. Of substances, physical phenomena, things (material or immaterial), or their properties.For the following specialized uses, see the first element: ballistic strength, fatigue strength, field strength, impact strength, ionic strength, lateral strength, shearing strength, wet strength, yield strength.
a. Capacity for producing a result or impact; effectiveness, operative power. Also of an idea, principle, etc.: cogency, potency, compelling force.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > efficacy > [noun]
mainOE
mightOE
strengthOE
efficace?c1225
bootingc1300
effectc1390
powera1393
boota1400
efficacity1430
operationc1450
valure1483
feck1495
efficacy1527
effectualness1545
effectuousnessa1576
validity1593
effectiveness1607
workingness1611
efficaciousnessa1628
operativeness1627
efficiency1633
effectualitya1641
energy1668
availablenessa1676
availment1699
potentialness1727
affectingnessa1774
effectivity1838
efficience1865
well working1879
the world > matter > physics > energy or power of doing work > [noun] > degree of
strengthOE
intensivenessa1656
potencya1691
intensity1794
potence1817
energy level1902
power level1929
muscle1986
the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > [noun] > quality of being strong
strongnesseOE
craftOE
strengthOE
stiffness1399
stoutnessc1440
fortitude1553
mightinessa1586
nervosity1611
brawninessa1680
OE tr. Pseudo-Apuleius Herbarium (Vitell.) (1984) xx. 66 Wið attres strenðe [L. ad vim veneni] genim þas wyrte aristolochiam.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 4979 Þiss mahhte tredeþþ unnderr fot, All modiȝnessess strenncþe.
c1225 (?c1200) St. Katherine (Royal) (1981) 298 Iesu..ȝef swucche mahte & strencðe [c1225 Bodl. strengðe] imine wordes þet þeo þe beoð icumen þideorewurðe nome aȝeines me to to [read me to] under-neomene moten missen þrof.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 136 A noynement anon sche made of so grete strengþe, bi enchaunmens of charmes..þat whan þat womman..hadde þat worli child ones wel an-oynted..he wex to a werwolf.
a1400 in G. R. Keiser Middle Eng. ‘Bk. Stones’ (1984) 3 (MED) This boke deuyseth vs of kyndeliche stones that the bible seyth..and that Salamon sayth..and that seint Ion the Ewangelist saith, þat knew þe strengthe of stones and wordes.
?a1425 Mandeville's Trav. (Egerton) (1889) 125 My worde sall be of als grete strenth, and als scharpe and scherand, as my swerde.
a1500 (a1450) Generides (Trin. Cambr.) l. 6821 In strenthe or [perh. read of] erbys that ben profeitable, In them I knowe the vertu that is sure.
1569 T. Underdowne tr. Ovid Inuectiue against Ibis Pref. sig. A vv There is no poyson, to the poyson of a Serpente, no strength, to the strength of Gunpouder.
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream iii. ii. 251 Thy threats haue no more strength then her weake praise. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) iv. iv. 124 Pale Prime-roses, That dye vnmarried, ere they can behold Bright Phœbus in his strength . View more context for this quotation
1680 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. xii. 205 And by the force and strength of the Wedge the whole Drill-bench is drawn down.
1733 A. Pope Ess. Man ii. 57 Most Strength the moving Principle requires, Active its Task, it prompts, impels, inspires.
1781 W. Cowper Flatting Mill 4 When a bar of pure silver..is..roll'd In an engine of utmost mechanical strength.
1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna iv. xviii. 84 Great is the strength Of words.
1882 G. M. Minchin Uniplanar Kinematics vi. 167 The time rate of supply of liquid through the source is called the strength of the source.
1945 C. E. Balleisen Princ. Firearms vii. 71 Springs must be so designed and stressed that they are not subject to setting and loss of strength.
2004 M. Mann in H. Fischer-Tiné & M. Mann Colonialism as Civilizing Mission i. i. 34 The idea gained strength of the need to improve the population's moral fibre.
b. Intensity and active force of movement (of wind, fire, electric current, a stream, blow, etc.); degree of force.Also occasionally as a count noun: see quot. 1873.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [noun]
highnesseOE
strengthOE
altitude?a1475
vehemence1535
vehemency1546
profundity1565
height1601
profoundness1612
depth1624
intensenessa1631
exquisiteness1650
eminence1651
intensivenessa1656
intensity1665
the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > [noun] > vigour or intensity of action > force or intensity of operation or effect
strengthOE
forcec1320
vigour?a1445
forcibleness1563
accent1591
edgea1593
strongnessa1604
keenness?1606
forcefulness1825
power drive1927
kilowattage1935
wattage1964
welly1977
OE Wærferð tr. Gregory Dialogues (Corpus Cambr.) (1900) i. vi. 48 Se mettruma man sæt ongæn þam fyre & mid his gebedum þæs fyres mægen & strengðe todwæscte.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 8688 (MED) Gað to ane stane..and cumeð mid stregðe [c1300 Otho strengþe], ȝif ȝe hine maȝen sturien.
a1300 Passion our Lord 499 in R. Morris Old Eng. Misc. (1872) 51 He schef hit myd strenkþe þat to his heorte hit com.
a1325 (c1250) Gen. & Exod. (1968) l. 581 Ðan noe was in-to ðe arche cumen, Ilc wateres springe here strengðe undede, And reyn gette dun on euerilk stede.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xix. liii. 1317 Liquour..is ywronge and yþrust oute of medlede bodies by violence or by strengþe.
a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) 3106 (MED) Þe fire here, of strenthe es les Þan þe fire of purgatory es.
c1450 in F. J. Furnivall Hymns to Virgin & Christ (1867) 120 (MED) The see woll ryse..Thorowe the strength off þe wynd Into the Welken hitt schall slynge.
c1450 Alphabet of Tales (1904) I. 96 With strenthe of hur lowpyng þe bote drownyd.
?1500 Robert the Deuyll 334 in W. C. Hazlitt Remains Early Pop. Poetry Eng. (1864) I. 232 So swyfte with strenght Robert dyd come, That hys speare ran thorowe the knyghtes bodye.
?c1599 C. Marlowe tr. Ovid Certaine Elegies i. ii, in J. Davies & C. Marlowe Epigrammes & Elegies sig. G2v I saw a brandisht fire encrease in strength.
a1617 S. Hieron Penance for Sinne in Wks. (1620) II. 359 Like some bulrush that is ouer~bent with the strength and violence of a storme.
1681 N. Grew Musæum Regalis Societatis iv. i. 358 The Weather-Cock hath Two [Regesters]; one for the Points, the other for the Strength of the Wind.
1705 H. Blackwell Eng. Fencing-master (new ed.) 8 For if a Thrust come to be forced, or with any Strength, the Parry is so narrow, that no Parade can be made.
1727 P. Walker Remarkable Passages Semple, Welwood & Cameron 6 He entred in, and the Strength of Water carried him and his Horse beneath the Foord.
1764 Med. Museum III. xlix. 452 The quickness and strength of the pulse are plain indications of this doctrine.
1809 W. Nicholson Brit. Encycl. VI. at Tornado The tornado..constantly declined in strength till it entirely ceased.
1873 J. C. Maxwell Treat. Electr. & Magnetism II. vii. 206 It is a homogeneous function of the second degree with respect to the strengths of the [electric] currents.
1914 Rep. Brit. Assoc. Advancem. Sci. 1913 132 Simultaneous observations of..the strength of the time-signals..and the average strength and frequency of strays.
1932 Amer. Jrnl. Psychol. 44 302 The physical syndrome always consisted of a muscular tremor..and an increase in the strength of the heart beat.
1975 Black Belt May 68/2 A new type of ‘makiwara that talks’ will allow the karate student..to measure the strength of his blows.
2008 W. H. McAlister Paddling Guadalupe vii. 168 Underestimating the strength of the current, they wrap their canoes around rocks.
c. Potency or degree of concentration of a substance, esp. a drug, chemical, or drink; intensity of a defining property in a substance, esp. the proportionate quantity of the active ingredient.proof strength: see the first element.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > [noun] > intoxicating element in drink
strengtha1325
mightinessa1530
headiness1603
potency1637
spirit(s) of wine1646
alcohol1742
wine-spirit1753
alc.1840
potence1871
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > condition or state of being mixed or blended > [noun] > admixture or addition as ingredient > that which is added as an ingredient > proportionate quantity of
strengtha1325
a1325 Diuersa Cibaria in C. B. Hieatt & S. Butler Curye on Inglysch (1985) 45 (MED) Þer schal gret vlehs beon igrounden, & sucre for ta baten þe streynþe of þe specerie.
c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer Parson's Tale (Ellesmere) (1877) §823 Whan that a man is nat wont to strong drynke. and..ne knoweth nat the strengthe of the drynke..it is no deedly synne but venyal.
c1440 S. Scrope tr. C. de Pisan Epist. of Othea (St. John's Cambr.) (1970) 33 Whanne they of the cuntre felte the strengthe of the wyne..thei seide that Bachus was a god.
1528 T. Paynell tr. Arnaldus de Villa Nova in Joannes de Mediolano Regimen Sanitatis Salerni sig. H.iij But if so be wyne be dronke to refreshe ye spiritis, and comforte the corporall vertue: than hit wolde be subtile, swete, & of delectable sauour, of meane colour, & of sufficient strengthe.
1588 T. Kyd tr. T. Tasso Housholders Philos. f. 20v I speake of choyse wynes, which get strength with age.
1653 T. Brugis Vade Mecum (ed. 2) 134 If you will put in gummes,..you must boyle them very gently least they burn, and the strength vanish away.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 127 T'allay the Strength and Hardness of the Wine. View more context for this quotation
1739 Attempt to explain Œcon. Human Frame 30 And in Proportion to the Closeness or Strength of the Phlegm, the Strength of the Agents within it are increased.
1790 Act 30 Geo. III c. 37 §2 Spirits of any greater or higher Degree of Strength than that of One in Six under Hydrometer Proof.
1843 Penny Cycl. XXVII. 459/1 A wine is prepared which is green, and which becomes deeper by time, while the strength increases so much, that [etc.].
1875 Chem. News 17 Dec. 291/2 It is of the highest importance to him that he should know the exact strength of his chemicals.
1904 Knowledge Mar. 43/2 This difference of price is due to the greater ‘strength’ of the flour..meaning by ‘strength’ the capacity to make more and larger loaves for equal weights of flour used.
1955 K. Hutton & A. Swallow Chem. for Gen. Sci. xvi. 238 The weight of iodine set free is proportional to the strength of the chlorine in the bleaching solution.
2007 New Yorker 5 Nov. 84/3 The dope, in pure form,..is sold on the street at twice the strength and half the price of what the Mafia is selling.
d. Medicine. Severity of an illness or symptom; the degree of such severity; virulence of an infection. Formerly also: †the point at which the symptoms of a disease are most severe (obsolete).
ΚΠ
?c1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (Paris) (1971) 535 (MED) Blode last is noght onely made for a multitude but for þe strengþe [?a1425 N.Y. Acad. Med. strongnez] of the passioun withoute multitude.
a1450 Late Middle Eng. Treat. on Horses (1978) 139 Ȝif it so be þat..þe strengþe of þe dolur be ouer-gon.
?1541 R. Copland Galen's Fourth Bk. Terapeutyke sig. Giiijv, in Guy de Chauliac's Questyonary Cyrurgyens This kynde of indicacion, which..is taken of ye myghtynes & strength of the dysease.
1583 P. Barrough Methode of Phisicke iv. v. 181 When the vigour & strength of the sicknesse is at hand, you may safely minister pure cold water.
1610 G. Markham Maister-peece ii. cxi. 393 It [sc. farcy] is a kinde of creeping ulcer..euer following alongst some one veine or other, and sometimes alongst diuers or sundry veines, according to the strength of the infection.
1711 Treat. Dis. Head, Brain & Nerves ix. 65 The Cure of the Palsie..is uncertain, according as is the Cause and Strength of the Disease, and Constitution of the Patient.
1787 T. Topham New Compend. Syst. Dis. Cattle xix. 171 The quantity of blood to be taken away, should always be determined by the strength of the fever.
1830 Gleanings in Sci. Sept. 291 Modifying the strength of the remedy according to the strength of the malady.
1884 Spectator 12 July 913/1 The congregation of the partially-infected, triples the strength of the infection.
1918 Jefferson (Iowa) Herald 27 Nov. 1/5 The strength of the disease [sc. influenza] seems to be abating.
1987 A. W. Bowman & D. R. Robinson Introd. Statistics (1996) vi. 132 The question of interest is whether the strength of the disease in patients who are on the course of drugs is lower on average than the disease strength in patients on the standard treatment.
2009 Daily Sitka (Alaska) Sentinel 11 May 2/4 Data on the spread and strength of the illness [sc. swine flu] is still incomplete.
e. Phonetics. Intensity or degree of force involved in vocal articulation.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > study of speech sound > speech sound > [noun] > qualities of speech sounds
strength1550
smoothedness1574
clearness1665
apertion1668
nasality1774
accentuation1806
percussiveness1863
nasalism1876
compactness1930
over-articulation1935
orality1949
1550 W. Salesbury Briefe & Playne Introd. British Tong sig. C.iiv If ye coulde hit kindely on the right..pronunciation of lh, thus aspirated: not leauyng vnsounded..the whole strength of the aspiration: than shoulde not you be farre dissonant from the true sounde of our walshe ll.
1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. ii. xxiv. §2. 584 The Greeke Letter (D) hauing..a pronunciation very like to (TH) differing only in the strength or weakenesse of vtterance.
1728 F. Altieri New Gram., Ital.-Eng. & Eng.-Ital. i. 3 A sometimes is pronounced with more strength; as, Andare, to go; and sometimes softer; as, Amore, love.
1772 J.-N. de Sauseuil Anal. French Orthogr. ii. 42 The elastic power of each [speech] organ..produces various kinds of articulations, of various degrees of strength.
1827 U. Price Ess. Mod. Pronunc. Greek & Lat. Langs. 5 Give length to re, and strength to gain, and re will clearly be the accented syllable.
1862 U. J. Bourke College Irish Gram. (ed. 2) 148 The letter g..receives such phonetic strength, that the sound of d is lost, or combines with that of g.
1979 Canad. Jrnl. Linguistics 24 18 Everyone seems to agree that ‘front’ consonants are stronger than ‘back’ consonants, but there is less consensus on relative strength among front consonants.
2009 tr. A. Marchal From Speech Physiol. to Ling. Phonetics v. 131 It is through the measured effect of a phoneme on its neighbors that it has been possible to establish a ranking of the articulatory strength of phonemes.
f. Intensity of a physical sensation, or a property producing a sensation; vividness of colour or an image; loudness and clearness of a sound, the voice, etc.; powerful distinctiveness of taste or smell.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > quality of colour > [noun] > saturation > intensity
fullness1440
strength1578
deepness1821
1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens Niewe Herball ii. lxxi. 239 These two kindes are of a maruelous sweete sauour, in strength [Du. met sterckheyt] passing the smell of Marierom.
1676 J. Smith Art of Painting in Oyl xvii. 72 The body and strength of the Colour is worn out by the continual assaults of wasting time.
a1719 J. Addison Disc. Learning (1734) 36 Thus has Time mellowed the Works of Antiquity, by qualifying..the Strength and Rawness of their Colours.
1756 C. Smith Antient & Present State Kerry vi. 139 For louder sounds such as bells, cannon, trumpets, and the like, the distance will be in proportion to the strength of the sound.
1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art II. 757 The colour thus prepared produces a fine crimson,..its strength may be increased by adding more of the oxide of gold.
1832 D. Brewster Lett. Nat. Magic vi. 138 The strength of the image of the castle so far obscured the back ground, that it made no sensible impression on the observers.
1881 M. Nephews Tobacco Whiffs (ed. 2) 49 One peculiarity of the Potosi is that, unlike most other cigars, they do not vary much in strength of flavour.
1934 Pop. Sci. Monthly Apr. 72/3 In many cases far better pictures result if the strength of the color is toned down or stepped up with the aid of filters.
1959 L. G. Green These Wonders 91 Little ponds..gurgle and rumble, the strength of the sound ranging from a whisper or a moan to a shriek.
1998 B. Kwakye Clothes of Nakedness i. 2 The Kill Me Quick kiosk prided itself on the purity of its beverages, hence the strength of the smell from the glass in front of him.
g. Firmness or compactness of soil. In later use also: capacity of soil to sustain good plant growth, as through high nutrient content. Cf. strong adj. 15b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > structure of the earth > constituent materials > earth or soil > soil qualities > [noun] > firmness
strength1580
toughness1733
1580 T. Tusser Fiue Hundred Pointes Good Husbandrie (new ed.) f. 21 The straw and the eare, to haue bignes and length, betokeneth land to be good, and in strength.
1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry 42 Ploughs..must be great or small according to the depth and strength of the Soil you Plow.
1794 C. Vancouver Gen. View Agric. Cambr. 73 Westwardly of this, the soil again improves in strength, and staple.
1892 Speaker 3 Sept. 289/1 Half a hundred acres of thistly land, from which savour and strength had long departed.
1905 S. T. Maynard Successful Fruit Culture iv. 79 The ideal soil is a light one of good strength, with a clay subsoil and with many small stones well mixed in it.
1969 Econ. Devel. & Cultural Change 17 363 Depending on the strength of the soil, the quantity of seed sown varies considerably from field to field.
2002 K. Handreck & N. Black Growing Media Ornamental Plants & Turf (ed. 3) xix. 269 The optimum moisture content was greater for a strong soil than for one of intermediate strength.
h. Cards. The value of a card or of the cards held in a hand in a particular game; effectiveness of a hand or player based on the cards held (sometimes in a specified suit).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > card or cards > [noun] > strength of hand or suit
strength1589
1589 ‘Marphoreus’ Martins Months Minde To Rdr. sig. C4 Where the fiue fingers is a carde of great strength, and though the King and the Queene bee in the decke; yet the knaue must commande all and beare the swaie.
1719 R. Seymour Court Gamester 14 Then he discards two, three, or more Cards according to the Strength of his Game.
1742 E. Hoyle Short Treat. Game Whist x. 52 By putting on the Queen, it shews your Adversary that you have no Strength in that Suit.
1829 E. M. Arnaud Epitome Whist 69 If he throw away a court-card he must have great strength in trumps.
1862 ‘Cavendish’ Princ. Whist (1864) 22 Both these ends are advanced by choosing for your original lead the suit in which you have the greatest numerical strength.
1900 ‘J. Doe’ Bridge Man. 32 The test of very many doubtful No Trumpers lies in the strength or weakness of the Spades.
1942 Rotarian Feb. 36/2 By this maneuver your partner knows you have strength in spades and practically nothing else.
2004 P. Gordon & J. Grotenstein Poker x. 197 When you raise before the flop, try to make it the same amount every time, or you risk giving away information about the strength of your hand.
i. Business and Finance. The condition of having high, rising, or sustained prices or monetary value.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > fluctuation in price > steadiness in price > [noun]
strength1818
firmness1880
hardening1940
1759 N. Tindal Contin. Rapin's Hist. Eng. IX. 242 4 or 500 men, upon the strength of the money that had been distributed by Murray, were actually assembled in arms about Lochiel's house.
1783 Eng. Rev. Dec. 473 The merchant..borrows money on the strength of his stock; and if that stock be responsible, he is at no loss to find those who are ready to lend.]
1818 Niles' Weekly Reg. 21 Nov. 222/1 The project is..more promising in its contemplated operation, than any we have seen, to give respectability and strength to a paper currency.
1863 Banker's Mag. May 839 If the currency have little strength, that is, a small specie basis, it must break down.
1891 Daily News 15 Apr. 2/7 No strength is yet felt in the market for home trade yarns.
1912 Standard 20 Sept. 8/7 Prices showed some degree of strength at the opening.
1960 Life 8 Aug. 28/2 If the dollar is to keep enough strength to support a strong U.S. foreign policy, then U.S. exports..must remain competitive.
2005 N.Y. Times 11 Sept. iii. 6/5 Traders' faith in that outcome may account for the strength in stocks.
j. = signal strength n. at signal n. Compounds 3.Also with following numeral, indicating the magnitude of this as shown on a meter.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > telecommunication > [noun] > signal > strength of
signal strength1912
strength1917
1917 Pop. Sci. Monthly July 33/2 Distances from the radio receiver will remain relatively unchanged and their words will always be heard at about the same strength.
1920 Gen. Electric Rev. Oct. 806/2 We received the following report: ‘Your schedule received, signal strength ten...’ London is about 300 miles from Brest and ‘strength ten’ seems very loud.
1979 P. Niesewand Member of Club i. 6 ‘I've got them, but they're only hearing me strength two.’.. ‘How do you hear them?’ ‘Strength five.’
2003 Wall St. Jrnl. 13 Oct. r6/3 The signals lose strength over distance when sent out over power lines.
3. A power, a faculty; an active property. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > [noun] > an ability or power
strengthOE
powerc1454
OE tr. Pseudo-Apuleius Herbarium (Harl. 585) (O.E.D. transcript) (1984) xx. 66 Wið þæt hwa mid cyle gewæht sy, genim þas ylcan wyrte & ele & swynes smero, do tosomne; þonne hæfð hit þa strængðe [?a1200 Harl. 6258B strenȝþe; L. vim] hyne to gewyrmenne.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. ix. xxii. 537 Vertue and strengþe of witte and of felinge beþ comfortid in þe dawinge.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 21757 Þe saul it es strenthes [Gött. of strinthes] thrin, þat taken o cros þai ber wit-in.
c1460 Tree & 12 Frutes (McClean) (1960) 37 (MED) Charite is a strengthe of þe soule to loue god for himself.
a1500 (?a1450) Gesta Romanorum (BL Add. 9066) (1879) 427 Therfore I am holdyn to serue hym with all my strengthes And membres.
a1500 (?a1425) tr. Secreta Secret. (Lamb.) 96 Vche sawle is a spirituell stryngthe,..and it hauys two stryngthes rennynge to-gedre yn þe body,..oon of þe stryngthes is a tokenynge, þe oþer ys wirkand, þat glorious god hauys inlightyd of vij strenghes; of stryngthe attractyue, and retractyf, of stryngthe digestyf, and purgatyf, of strengthe nutrityf, and infirmatyf, and sustantyf.
?1507 W. Dunbar Tua Mariit Wemen (Rouen) in Poems (1998) I. 48 Be dragonis baitht and dowis ay in double forme, And quhen it nedis ȝow, onone note baith ther stranthis.
1525 tr. H. von Brunschwig Noble Experyence Vertuous Handy Warke Surg. xv. D j b That the powder [shall] haue in hym selfe suche strength that whan it towcheth the vayne, that it therwith may close, which strength is namyd stiptica.
1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer iii. f. ccclx Instrument of willyng is thilke strength of the soule, whiche yt constrayneth to wylne.
1597 P. Lowe Whole Course Chirurg. ix. vii. sig. Hh3 The Medicament cleansing..is that which hath the strength to separate and drawe away the excrementes purulent from the centre of the vlcers to the circumference.
4. Capacity to resist.ballistic strength, bending, folding strength, etc., high-, industrial-strength, etc.: see the first element. pillar of strength: see pillar n. 4a: tower of strength: see tower n.1 3.
a. Capacity to sustain the application of force without breaking or yielding; the quality of being strong enough to withstand rough work or treatment; (also) this as measured, graded, or rated. Also in figurative contexts.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > constitution of matter > strength > [noun]
strengthOE
stiffness1723
OE Wærferð tr. Gregory Dialogues (Corpus Cambr.) (1900) iii. xvi. 214 Næs he [sc. rap] tobrocen, forðon þe se rap gehran þære racenteage þæs Godes weres, þe he hæfde on him swa myccle strengðe [L. fortitudinem] to adreoganne þa byrde.
lOE tr. R. d'Escures Sermo in Festis Sancte Marie Virginis in R. D.-N. Warner Early Eng. Homilies (1917) 136 For he is Hælend & na awerdend; þa awerde þing he gehælð, and þa gehale he gefæstneð on strencðe.
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 1072 (MED) No strengþe him wiþ-stod of sad stonen walles.
c1450 (c1380) G. Chaucer House of Fame (Fairf. 16) (1878) l. 1980 And loo thys hous of which I write..Alle was the tymber of no strengthe Yet hit is founded to endure.
1562 N. Winȝet Certain Tractates (1888) I. 37 Quhat strenth had his armour of defence thair.
1565 W. Allen Def. & Declar. Doctr. Purgatory ii. iii. f. 145v Well by the strengthe of this pillare we haue chalenged and saued hetherto..the scripture of God.
1569 B. Googe Shippe of Safegarde Ep. Ded. sig. A.ijv A Ship but rudely furnished,..wanting both strength of tymber and comlynesse of proporcion.
1577 R. Curteys tr. Hugh of St. Victor Expos. S. Paule to Romaynes sig. Ciiiv Who can expresse the hardnesse of the stones? or the fyrmnesse of Mettals? the strength of Okes?
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ i. i. §20 If Procopius his pillar hath strength enough to bear such a conjecture.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost i. 427 Spirits..Not ti'd or manacl'd with joynt or limb, Nor founded on the brittle strength of bones. View more context for this quotation
1723 E. Chambers tr. S. Le Clerc Treat. Archit. 23 Were we only to have regard to the Laws of Strength and Weakness, we shou'd diminish the Entablements of Columns that have Pedestals, rather than those which have none.
1763 J. Mills New Syst. Pract. Husbandry IV. 217 The bass used for this, or for any other binding, should be..soaked in water for some hours, to increase its strength.
1839 Penny Cycl. XV. 48/2 The strength of materials in resisting the strains to which they are subject.
1842 J. Gwilt Encycl. Archit. ii. i. 455 The primitive horizontal or transverse Strength of Oak is taken at 1000; its supporting or primitive vertical Strength at 807; and its cohesive or absolute Strength at 1821.
1883 M. P. Bale Saw-mills 191 The strength of best oxhide belts, used for belting, has been calculated at about 3,086 lbs. per square inch of section.
1920 G. A. Hool & N. C. Johnson Handbk. Building Constr. I. iii. 690 A retaining wall adjoining a railroad track needs special strength to support the weight of locomotives and trains.
1962 Jrnl. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 57 446 The Department of Public Works..regularly produces concrete cylinders which it wishes to test for compressive strength after letting the concrete set for a fixed number of days.
2004 W. Dietrich Hadrian's Wall (2005) xxix. 250 All we druids have done is give the oak's strength to our warriors and remind them of ancient ways.
b. Capacity of a fortification, fortified place, etc., to withstand assault or capture.place of strength: see place n.1 Phrases 3c.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > [noun] > strength of fortification
strengthc1480
force1577
impregnableness1610
impregnability1847
c1480 (a1400) St. George 67 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) II. 178 He entre mycht nocht, for gret strinth & hicht of wal & gret ȝemesel of ȝettis al.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. cccxciii. 274 Within the towne there was a mynster..the whiche they of the countrey had fortefyed, and there in they were, in trust of the strenght of ye place.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie i. viii. 9 Enquiring of him what strength the tower might be of.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) iii. viii. 7 This Arme, that hath reclaym'd To your obedience..seuen walled Townes of strength . View more context for this quotation
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary ii. 20 To the natural strength of the place is added the art of interlacing the low bowes, and casting the bodies of trees acrosse the way.
1656 T. Blount Glossographia at Muniment A Muniment house..is a house or little room of strength, purposely made for keeping the Seal, Plate, Evidences, Charters, &c.
1721 G. Booth tr. Diodorus Siculus Hist. Libr. (ed. 2) ii. 67 The Enemy..made little impression on the Besieg'd by reason of the strength of the Walls.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. vi. 156 ‘But they know not,’ thought she, ‘its [sc. a castle's] strength, or the armed numbers within it.’
1820 W. Scott Monastery III. x. 263 He questioned him..concerning the Baron of Avenel's probable forces—the strength of his castle [etc.].
1843 G. Borrow Bible in Spain II. xvi. 351 Llanes is an old town, formerly of considerable strength.
1886 U. S. Grant Pers. Mem. II. xlviii. 151 The general occupied a place between the James and Appomattox rivers which was of great strength, and where with an inferior force he could hold out for an indefinite length of time against a superior.
1916 Jrnl. Egyptian Archaeol. 3 165 By the choice of this position the strength of the north and south walls is not a little assisted.
1961 Artibus Asiae 24 383 The military strength of the place lies in the ramparts and moats.
2010 tr. B. Lemay Erich von Manstein 233 The strength of the fortress resided in the extraordinary difficulty of the terrain,..and in the multiplicity of fortified positions, minefields, [etc.].
5. Of feelings, ideas, beliefs, etc., or the expression of these.
a. Intensity of a feeling, conviction, etc.; ardour; the force, degree, or enduring power of a sentiment or belief. Also: definiteness or vehemence of a refusal, denial, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > intense emotion > [noun] > intensity or depth
strengthOE
deepnessc1175
inliheadc1450
profundity1565
depth1597
keenness1600
profoundness1612
poignancy1745
poignance1812
intensity1830
inwardness1836
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [noun] > outstandingness or prominence > types of > specific
strengthOE
OE Ælfric Catholic Homilies: 1st Ser. (Royal) (1997) xxvi. 390 Drihten cwæð to petre, ‘þu eart stænen’; for þære strencþe his geleafan..he underfeng þone naman.
OE Wærferð tr. Gregory Dialogues (Hatton) (1900) ii. xxiii. 151 Swa mycele strengðu [L. tantas uires] hæfde his spræc, swilce he hit na twyniende.., ac eallunga þurh rihtne dom forðbrohte.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 7294 (MED) Ah hatien we wulleð mid hæhȝere strengðe.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) i. l. 787 (MED) Yet he was noght of such myht The strengthe of love to withstonde.
a1425 (a1400) Prick of Conscience (Galba & Harl.) (1863) l. 6703 (MED) Þe strenthe of hungre sal þam swa chace Þat þair awen flesshe þai sal of-race.
1550 M. Coverdale tr. O. Werdmueller Spyrytuall & Precyouse Pearle xxviii. sig. Liij Faith..receyueth increasement & more strength thorow pacience.
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 i. iii. 24 Those prisoners in your highnes name demanded..Were..not with such strength denied As is deliuered to your maiestie. View more context for this quotation
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice v. i. 198 If you did know..you would abate the strength of your displeasure. View more context for this quotation
1676 W. Allen Serious & Friendly Addr. Non-conformists 153 This diffidence proceeds..from the rootedness and strength of your prejudice.
1748 G. Tennent Brotherly Love Recommended 26 Our Lord's Abasure and Sufferings, by which he express'd the Strength of his Love to us!
1782 W. Cowper Conversation in Poems 216 Opposition gives opinion strength.
1840 N. Hawthorne Moral Tales 51 How can I rejoice in my strength and delicacy of feeling, when they have but made great sorrows out of little ones?
1884 W. Besant Dorothy Forster I. xi. 293 Nor did I know aught of the strength and passion of love, jealousy, or rivalry, save for the things Mr. Hilyard read to me out of Ovid.
1940 C. McCullers Heart is Lonely Hunter x. 259 It was only when they entered the jail that the strength of his rage came to him.
1962 Western Polit. Q. 15 716 The strength of his denial did not change the policy of his publications.
2008 Outlook 17 Mar. 36 Such was the strength of his conviction..that no one doubted him for a moment.
b. Soundness or credibility of an argument, case, or evidence; the extent of this, the degree to which an argument, etc., is convincing.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > [noun] > strength of evidence
strength?c1400
solidity1646
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > process of reasoning, ratiocination > argument, source of conviction > [noun] > strength of argument
strength?c1400
of…validity1581
logic1601
pregnancy1622
solidity1646
cogency1690
pregnantness1727
validness1727
cogence1782
?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (BL Add. 10340) (1868) iii. pr. x. l. 2537 Certys..I ne may nat denye ne wiþstonde þe resouns purposed. and I see wel þat it folweþ by strengþe of þe premisses.
1550 N. Udall tr. P. M. Vermigli Disc. Sacrament Lordes Supper f. iiiv But all the strength and pith of this argumente they auouche to consist in these wordes, in which it is sayd: This is my body.
1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie iv. iv. 176 The force and strength of their arguments is elided.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 (1623) iii. i. 49 Whiles Warwicke tels his Title, smooths the Wrong, Inferreth arguments of mighty strength . View more context for this quotation
1678 J. Glanvill Let. 25 Jan. in R. Boyle Corr. (2001) V. 15 I have gott a collection very considerable, for plainess & strength of evidence.
1725 I. Watts Logick iv. ii. 522 Afterwards mention the Objections distinctly in their full Strength, and give a distinct Answer to them.
1814 T. Chalmers Evid. Christian Revel. ii. 65 Consider the strength even of heathen testimony to the facts of the gospel history.
1818 H. Hallam View Europe Middle Ages II. viii. 237 In this consists..the sole strength of the opposite argument.
1895 Law Times 99 544/1 The litigant should as speedily as can be learn something of the strength of his opponent's case.
1954 Amer. Bar Assoc. Jrnl. May 410/1 He does not have the advantage..of hearing an opposing advocate point out the weaknesses in a proposed opinion and the strength of the contrary view.
2013 Daily Tel. (Nexis) 8 Jan. 3 He admitted perverting the course of justice only when the strength of evidence against him became clear.
c. Energy or vigour of literary or artistic conception or execution; creative vitality, expressive force.Also occasionally as a count noun: see quot. 1777.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > the arts in general > [noun] > work of art > qualities generally
decoruma1568
humoura1568
variety1597
strength1608
uniformity1625
barbarity1644
freedom1645
boldness1677
correctness1684
clinquant1711
unity1712
contrast1713
meretriciousness1727
airiness1734
pathos1739
chastity1760
vigour1774
prettyism1789
mannerism1803
serio-comic1805
actuality1812
largeness1824
local colour1829
subjectivitya1834
idealism1841
pastoralism1842
inartisticalitya1849
academicism1852
realism1856
colour contrast1858
crampedness1858
niggling1858
audacity1859
superreality1859
literalism1860
pseudo-classicism1861
sensationalism1862
sensationism1862
chocolate box1865
pseudo-classicality1867
academism1871
actualism1872
academicalism1874
ethos1875
terribilità1877
local colouring1881
neoclassicism1893
mass effect1902
attack1905
verismo1908
kitsch1921
abstraction1923
self-consciousness1932
surreality1936
tension1941
build-up1942
sprezzatura1957
1608 R. Tofte tr. L. Ariosto Satyres vii. 103 Tell me I shall haue leasure and fit time..midst faire groaues and arbors to deuise The strength of verse and rarely poetize.
1624 T. Higgons Mystical Babylon i. 145 Being able, and readie, by speciall demonstration, and strength of discourse, to explicate the same..to euerie one.
1688 G. Miege Great French Dict. ii. sig. Ttt4/1 The strength (or energy) of a Discourse, la force d'un Discours.
1695 R. Graham Short Acct. Eminent Painters in J. Dryden tr. C. A. Du Fresnoy De Arte Graphica 314 He had indeed an admirable Colouring, and great strength in all his Works.
1711 A. Pope Ess. Crit. 22 And praise the Easie Vigor of a Line, Where Denham's Strength, and Waller's Sweetness join.
1713 H. Felton Diss. Reading Classics Pref. p. xvii We should see more and more into the Propriety, Strength, and Compass, and all the hidden Beauties of the Greek and Latin Tongue.
1715 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad I. Pref. He consider'd these [dialects] as they had a greater Mixture of Vowels or Consonants, and accordingly employ'd them as the Verse requir'd either a greater Smoothness or Strength.
a1771 T. Gray Stanzas to Mr. R. Bentley in Mem. (1775) 227 Ah! could they catch his strength, his easy grace, His quick creation, his unerring line.
1777 R. Potter in tr. Æschylus Prometheus Chain'd in tr. Æschylus Tragedies Foreword There is in this remaining drama a sublimity of conception, a strength, a fire, a certain savage dignity peculiar to this bold writer.
1802 Edinb. Rev. Oct. 86 Dr. Rennel's first sermon, upon the consequences of gaming, is admirable for its strength of language, its sound good sense, [etc.].
1834 T. Cowan Art of Poetic Painting 3 Strength in expression..and arrestive power in all forms of discourse and composition, consist..in the employment of descriptive and illustrative Imagery.
1866 C. Winkworth Lyra Germanica (new ed.) Pref. p. x Luther's hymns..are always full of fire and strength.
1906 Lit. World 15 Nov. 519/2 The pictures are notable for a proper mingling of strength and delicacy.
1964 J. B. Steane Marlowe (1970) ii. iii. 110 The strength of expression lies in the verb, ‘rattle foorth’.
2010 S. L. Schweizer Timpani Tone iv. 131 To many timpanists, individually playing each note adds drama and strength to this figure.
6. (a) Legal power; authority. (b) Validity, legal force (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > [noun]
doomc1000
strengthOE
obediencea1225
bandon?c1225
mastery?c1225
authority1340
bailliec1380
obeisancea1393
baila1400
mastership?a1425
jurisdictionc1425
masterdomc1475
reformation1523
maistrice1526
swinge1531
potentness1581
obey1584
masterfulnessa1586
prevailance1592
covert1596
magistrality1603
command1608
magistery1642
magisteriality1646
sway1765
tenure1871
society > law > rule of law > [noun] > validity or legal force
strengthOE
vigour1425
validity?1553
force1593
universality1599
society > law > legal power > [noun]
jurisdictiona1300
authority1340
justry1391
powerc1395
justicec1405
strength1439
judicate1526
arbitrium1583
OE Royal Charter: Æðelred II to Christ Church, Canterbury (Sawyer 914) in N. P. Brooks & S. E. Kelly Charters of Christ Church Canterbury, Pt. 2 (2013) 1024 Ic Ælfheah Wincestriscera manna bisceop þises foresædan cinges bocunge be minre strengðe gefæstnige.
1414 Petition in Rotuli Parl. (1767–77) IV. 58/1 By strengthe and colour of the forseide Statut so gen[er]aly mad..the forseide Priour and Chanons hav us..by enquestes enbraced as for her bonde boremen.
1423–4 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1423 §53. m. 30 That this ordynaunce stretche and bere strenketh also wel wyth in Chesshire.
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) iv. l. 342 But wher [MS wheþer] so be þat he be lef or loth, Þer is no more; but in conclusioun, In his [= its] strengþe stood þe eleccioun.
1439 in F. J. Furnivall Fifty Earliest Eng. Wills (1882) 122 Annuites..wiche he will that thei stande yn their strenketh.
1448 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark Archit. Hist. Univ. Cambr. (1886) II. 9 Then the forseid obligacion..stand in non strenketh nor effect, and elles yef hit be not fulfilled that then hit stand in strenketh and vertu.
1449–50 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Nov. 1449 §53. m. 10 That oure graunt..[be] not prejudiced nor hurt, but stande in his strenght.
1480 Cronicles Eng. (Caxton) ccviii. sig. m8v He..axed the keies of the yates of the cite thurgh vertue & strength [c1400 Brut strengh] of his commission.
1501 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 84 I charge my feffoors that they delyuer strengthe jn as moche londe as jt most redyest mony to be had for to my executoors.
1530 Will of John Bewchyr in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 84 (note) I gyve all my strength that my mother gaue me..I gyve nowe all my strength to John Wallgore for to gyve or sell all the goods, houses [etc.].
1538 in J. Stuart Extracts Council Reg. Aberdeen (1844) I. 159 And this my petitioune, be way of reconuentioune to haf the stryntht of ane borght, gyf neid beis.
1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. S. Paule to Timothie & Titus 2/2 This rule..whiche shal remaine of strength vnto the worldes end.
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets xlix. sig. D3 To leaue poore me, thou hast the strength of lawes, Since why to loue, I can alledge no cause. View more context for this quotation
1690 in Minutes of Evid. Nairne Peerage (1873) 27 in Sessional Papers House of Lords (H.L. A) XII. 65 The haill..provisions..are declared to stand..in their full force strenth and effect.
1758 E. Spelman tr. Dionysius of Halicarnassus Rom. Antiq. II. v. 432 Neither the laws had strength enough by themselves to support justice, nor the magistrates, intrusted with the care of them, to support the laws.
1800 Forethoughts on Gen. Pacification Europe 74 They will persevere in making the strength of the law..keep pace with the growth of sedition and rebellion.
1831 Senate 1 30/1 There may be a few incendiaries and disaffected persons, but the strength of the law is sufficient to subdue them.
1914 T. Frank Rom. Imperialism xiv. 283 Rome guaranteed the strength of the treaty by her signature.
2007 R. A. Cichowski European Court & Civil Society 147 Theoretically, we might also expect the ECJ [sc. European Court of Justice] to have a diminished basis to make expansive rulings without the strength of a treaty provision.
7. A degree of concentration of a drink, drug, chemical, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > chemistry > physical chemistry > solutions > [noun] > concentration
strength1665
concentration1692
concentrating1802
1665 R. Boyle New Exper. & Observ. Cold 155 Though French-Wine will sometimes be brought to begin to freez, yet that happens but very seldom.., not to mention the uncertainty proceeding from the differing strengths of the Wines.
1758 A. Reid tr. P. J. Macquer Elements Theory & Pract. Chym. II. 305 Mr. Geoffroy took the opportunity of exposing to the frost several Vinegars of different strengths.
1852 C. Tomlinson Cycl. Useful Arts (1854) II. 131/2 A mixture of lime and water of 3 or 4 different strengths.
1897 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 1 383/1 The specimen had been hardened..in 30, 60, and 90 per cent. alcohol, remaining in each strength for twenty-four hours.
1936 S. Glasstone Recent Adv. in Gen. Chem. viii. 328 The order of the velocities was the same as that of the strengths of the acids obtained from independent measurements.
1953 A. G. E. Pearse Histochem. viii. 169 After extraction the blocks of tissue are carried rapidly through descending strengths of alcohol to water.
1996 Amer. Jrnl. Nursing 96 65/2 MS Contin tablets are smaller and each strength is a different color.
8. Billiards, Pool, and Snooker. A degree of force applied to the cue ball.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > billiards, pool, or snooker > [noun] > actions or types of play > force of stroke
strength1775
1775 J. Beaufort Hoyle's Games Improved 186 This game [sc. the losing game] depends greatly upon particular strengths.
1849 E. R. Mardon Billiards (ed. 2) 22 In making the most of a good break, and in working the balls with the judicious strengths leading to great results, Mr. Kentfield stands triumphantly alone!
1896 W. Broadfoot in W. Broadfoot et al. Billiards (Badminton Libr. of Sports & Pastimes) iii. 106 Strength is the measure of force used to make a stroke, which is said to be soft or hard according to the strength.
1902 F. Herrmann Fun on Pool Table 90 A fair player with a good eye when once he has judged the correct strength, should be able to make quite fifty double caroms consecutively.
1925 A. F. Peall All about Billiards viii. 86 Drop the red in the pocket at just the right strength to allow your ball to run through into similar position on the other side of the spot.
1982 S. Davis Successful Snooker iii. 47 Each of the four shots is played with the same strength.
2009 M. Goodwill & R. Morgan Snooker Player's Guide to Eng. Billiards i. 34 In billiards you will find that the object ball contact is often more critical than the strength of the shot.
II. A person or thing that has, gives, or shows the quality of being strong.
9. That which makes a person or thing strong; a source of (physical or mental) strength. Now only in singular.Often in biblical language, esp. as predicated of God or Christ.to be shorn of one's strength: see shear v. 4a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > strengthening > [noun] > one who or that which
strengthOE
strengthener1579
sinewera1813
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > strengthening or confirmation of immaterial things > [noun] > a source or means of
strengthinga1400
confirmator1485
stablishment1533
strengthening1571
strengthener1579
corroborative1601
strength1615
corroboration1670
re-enforcer1832
reinforcer1873
vertebration1884
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > [noun] > capacity for moral effort or endurance
thildc950
strengthOE
dureec1330
rankc1400
tolerance1412
adamant1445
toleration1531
validity1578
durance1579
bent1604
strongness1650
duress1651
strength1667
durableness1740
stamina1803
willpower1842
backbone1843
thewness1860
sand1867
upbearing1885
wiriness1892
gut1893
sisu1926
OE Vercelli Homilies (1992) xxi. 351 Dryhten ælmihtig..is ure gefea & he ys ure strengð & he ys ure frofer.
OE Paris Psalter (1932) lix. 6 And Effrem ys æðele strengþu heafdes mines [L. fortitudo capitis mei].
a1225 ( Ælfric's Homily De Initio Creaturae (Vesp. A.xxii) in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 217 (MED) Heo is hefone liht and eorðe brihtnesse..anglene blisse and mancenne hiht and hope, richtwisen strenhcþe and niedfulle frouer.
c1350 Psalter (BL Add. 17376) in K. D. Bülbring Earliest Compl. Eng. Prose Psalter (1891) xxx. 4 (MED) For þou art my strengþe and my refut.
c1390 in C. Horstmann Minor Poems Vernon MS (1892) i. 60 Heil vr Ioye of worþinesse, And vr strengþe þerto.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 7208 (MED) His wijf wald noght fin..Til sco þe soth had gert him sai, In quat stede al his strencth lai.
c1405 (c1375) G. Chaucer Monk's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 60 For alle his strengthes in his herys were.
a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle Psalter (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xxx. §4. 106 Ffor my strenght and my fleynge ert thou.
1615 E. Sharpe Britaines Busse sig. E2 Our shipping and Mariners, and Sea Townes, and Coastes, which..should be the wals and strength of this Ilandish Monarchy.
1630 tr. G. Botero Relations Famous Kingdomes World (rev. ed.) ii. 220 Both of them are wonderfull strengths, eases, and riches to his Countrey.
1630 M. Godwin tr. F. Godwin Ann. Eng. i. 21 Our chiefe strength were our Archers.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 921 [Eve to Adam] Bereave me not, Whereon I live,..My onely strength and stay. View more context for this quotation
1678 T. Sprat Serm. before Sons of Clergy-men 39 What they boaded would be a mischief to us; you are providing shall be one of our principal strengths.
1738 J. Wesley Coll. Psalms & Hymns (new ed.) li. vii And all my Powers shall join to bless The Lord, my Strength and Righteousness.
1772 J. G. King Rites Greek Church in Russia 190 The west..is the place of darkness, and satan is darkness, and his strength is in darkness.
1802 C. Simeon Helps to Composition II. ii. dxxvii. 494 (heading) The joy of the Lord is our strength.
1855 W. H. Prescott Hist. Reign Philip II of Spain I. i. v. 167 The strength of his army lay in his Spanish veterans.
1907 J. London Iron Heel viii. 136 ‘There is the militia.’ ‘It is our strength!’ cried Mr. Kowalt. ‘With it we would repel the invasion of the regular army.’
1951 J. Griffen tr. H. de Montherlant Malatesta in Master of Santiago 119 You laugh a great deal at those who find their strength in Christ.
2006 R. G. Brown Bk. of Lilith (2007) xv. 177 When I was weak she was my strength.
10. Military.
a. Collectively: troops, armed forces; the ships of a navy; personnel, equipment, or resources for waging war or defending against attack.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > armed forces > [noun]
mainOE
strength?a1160
armaturea1450
force1487
ranka1533
armed forces1572
troops1598
military1757
fyrd1832
the services1850
?a1160 Anglo-Saxon Chron. (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1140 Þa hi þærinne wæren, þa com þe kinges cuen m[id a]l hire strengthe & besæt heom.
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 7156 He wennde þatt tatt follc. Vpp onn himm cumenn wære. Wiþþ strenncþe forr to niþþrenn himm.
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1963) l. 206 (MED) Assaracus..hefde muchele strengþe of meren his cunne, of þan Troyscen monnen þe weren his moder isib.
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) 8793 So þat a Misselmasse eue, mid hor ost hii come To gadere mid gret strengþe, & þe bataile nome.
c1450 (c1425) Brut (Cambr. Kk.1.12) 351 The King..made hym redy with his streynthe, and rode yn-to Essex.
1462 R. Calle in Paston Lett. & Papers (2004) II. 369 And yet..he wolde send me vp with strengthe of men as a presoner.
?1482 J. Kay tr. G. Caoursin Siege of Rhodes (1870) 147 Therfor the lord mayster putted also strenght of men into the walles of Rhodes whiche were beten downe with bombardes.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. lj That we shold sende our strength and souldiours vnto straungers [L. subministrare videlicet copias, et militem nostrum aliis].
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cxxxvijv [He] fortifieth it with workes and strength of men [L. opere praesidioque munit].
1644 J. Vicars Jehovah-jireh 163 In expectation of some more strength either from Glocester-shire, or else from the Lord Generall.
1649 W. Davenant Love & Honour v. i. 16 It is the Dukes command that you Assemble straight some strength from the cast regiments To guard the pallace yard.
1703 J. Burchett Mem. Trans. at Sea 288 All that the Admiral could do was to protect the Trade, till such time as the additional Strength expected from England joined him.
1797 E. Hasted Hist. Kent (ed. 2) II. 147 Afterwards, repairing with all his strength to the king at the fatal battle of Bosworth-field, he was taken prisoner.
1805 Goldsmith's Grecian Hist. (new ed.) I. x. 308 The Athenians had fitted out their whole strength, consisting of an hundred and fifty sail.
1842 A. Alison Hist. Europe from French Revol. X. lxxv. 403 His strength was unequal to hurtling against the immense masses.
1895 D. Belasco Heart of Maryland ii. 202 General Hooker is massing all his strength to the right.
1921 J. Buchan Hist. Great War I. xxiv. 520 He was getting together his strength of men and guns on a line of seven miles in front of Bolimov.
2000 A. Axelrod Compl. Idiot's Guide to World War I ii. vi. 75 He immediately set about reviving the Schlieffen Plan..by amassing strength on the right flank to attack the Allies' left.
b. A body of soldiers; an armed force. Cf. sense 15a. Now literary and somewhat rare.For possible earlier currency see note in etymology.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > warriors collectively > [noun]
trumec893
wic897
ferredc1200
knight-weredc1275
preyc1300
legion?1316
companyc1325
punyec1330
virtuec1350
fellowshipc1380
knightheada1382
knighthooda1382
strengtha1382
sop?a1400
strengh?a1400
tropelc1425
armyc1450
framec1450
preparing1497
armourya1500
cohortc1500
cohortationc1500
cateran?a1513
venlin1541
troop1545
guidon1560
crew1570
preparation1573
esquadron1579
bodya1616
armada1654
expedition1693
armament1698
host1807
war-party1921
the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > [noun] > vigour or intensity of action > force or intensity of operation or effect > a force comprised of group of people
strengtha1382
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Judith ix. 16 Lord, not in multitude is thi vertue, ne in strengthys [L. viribus] of hors thi wil.
a1464 J. Capgrave Abbreuiacion of Cron. (Cambr. Gg.4.12) (1983) 147 (MED) Þere mette þei a grete strength comyng fro þe north ageyn hem.
a1500 in C. L. Kingsford Chron. London (1905) 177 Quene Margaret came owte of ffraunce in to Scotland wt a strength of people; and so entred into England and made opyn warr.
1544 P. Betham tr. J. di Porcia Preceptes Warre ii. lxiv. sig. L vjv Wherfore we must all wayes fyght wyth fresshe men, newe strengthes, and plentye of vytayles.
1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus Decurias hominum inducere, to bryng in a strength of men.
1599 J. Hayward 1st Pt. Henrie IIII 18 The king..sent a strength of men with charge, either to set vpon the earle of Arundell where he did lie, or [etc.].
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 i. iii. 76 That he should draw his seuerall strengths togither, And come against vs in full puissance. View more context for this quotation
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary ii. 210 The Forces in Garrison at Carrickfergus, out of which Sir Arthur Chichester was to draw a competent strength to come by water and meete the Lord Deputie.
1627 M. Drayton Miseries Queene Margarite in Battaile Agincourt 85 Yorke..With his deare Nevils, Counsels what to doe, For it behou'd him, to make good his Guard With both their strengthes and all to little too.
1684 tr. Plutarch Lives II. 59 But soon after Pharnabazus with a great Strength of Horse and Foot, falling upon the Souldiers of Thrasyllus.., Alcibiades coming to their Aid, routed Pharnabazus.
1774 J. Burgh Polit. Disquis. II. i. vi. 141 Ill conduct in money matters of itself is sufficient to raise a strength against them in power.
1828 J. Baillie Bride i. i. 6 In this sad plight, our chief with Samarkoon..And a good strength of spearmen, met them.
1843 Brit. & Foreign Med. Rev. 15 12 Our expectations..are more than fulfilled in the Naval Report. Of a strength consisting of 17,254, there were treated 55 cases of consumption.
1874 A. C. Swinburne Bothwell iv. i. 368 On that day When earth's whole strengths met on the warring sea And side with side clashed of the kingdomed world.
1932 E. Monsen & A. H. Smith tr. S. Sturluson Heimskringla 433 In these two places a strength of men was needed.
1968 M. Palmer White Boar ii. 32 The King's been taken prisoner by my lord of Warwick and the Duke of Clarence, and my lord of Gloucester's gone into the west to raise a strength to deliver him.
c. The number of people on the muster roll of an army, a regiment, a navy, (now) an air force, etc.; the number of ships in a navy or fleet, or of aircraft in an air force. Also: the personnel making up such a number. Cf. sense 15a.Not always clearly distinguishable from sense 1e.ration strength: see ration n. Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > armed forces > [noun] > number of personnel in
strength1589
ration strength1904
society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > navy > a naval force or fleet > [noun] > number of ships in
strength1711
1589 A. Barlowe in R. Hakluyt Principal Navigations iii. 730 So many fires would hee make on the shoare a farre off, to the ende wee might vnderstand with what strength, and companie he approched.
1606 G. W. tr. Justinus Hist. f. 20 Their fleet ariued safe at home, being increased both in number of ships, and strength of men.
c1610 Let. in Daily News (1896) 24 Nov. 8/1 His strength is as followeth: When he goeth in person to the wars, he hath not less than 300,000 men armed with lances and swords.
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) iv. iii. 163 Demaund of him of what strength they are a foot. View more context for this quotation
1691 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) V. 72 The Relation he gave of the strength of the Fr: King..was very wide from what we fancied.
1711 J. Swift Conduct of Allies 40 And as they [sc. the Dutch] increase their Trade, it is obvious they will enlarge their Strength at Sea.
1718 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 31 July (1965) I. 424 His strength at Sea [is] now very small.
1802 C. James New Mil. Dict. (at cited word) In all returns which are made of corps, strength implies the number of men that are borne upon the establishment, in contradistinction to effective force, which means the number fit for service.
1809 London Chron. 8 Aug. 130 Strength of the Garrison. Two captains, [etc.]... Total 127.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. v. 580 Orders were given that the strength of every company of infantry and of every troop of cavalry should be increased.
1859 Regulations for Musketry Instr. Army 82 [Rules for ‘Monthly Progress Return’] 1st. Strength, &c.—Under this head are to be shown the effectives of each company,—that is, every man of the company, whether present or absent, on the last day of the month, minus regimental staff-serjeants, drummers, and recruits in a musketry sense.
1894 ‘J. S. Winter’ Red Coats 26 But outside the fighting strength of the regiment Colonel de Crespigny was not liked.
1919 Flying Sept. 692/1 The number in the various grades below the rank of general officer shall not exceed the following percentage of the total authorized strength of the Air Force.
1936 Economist 8 Feb. 291/1 The Government's declared programme of enlarging the Air Force to a strength of 2,100 ‘front line machines’.
1972 F. Fitzgerald Fire in Lake vii. 266 Westmoreland reinforced this contingent, bringing it up to more than division strength.
2008 M. Hastings Retribution (2009) xi. 266 Only 1.6 percent of the U.S. Navy's wartime strength—16,000 men—served in its submarines.
11.
a. A stronghold, a fortress, a fastness. Now historical and chiefly with reference to Scotland.In quot. ?c1225 figurative.heart-strength: see heart n., int., and adv. Compounds 3a.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > fort or fortified town > [noun]
chestera855
boroughc893
fastnessOE
strength?c1225
warnestore1297
fortress13..
holdc1330
strongholdc1384
motec1390
fortalicec1425
garnisonc1430
garrisonc1430
town of war1441
wall-town1488
strengh1489
afforciament1509
piece1525
forcea1552
citadel1567
fort1569
place1575
holt1600
alcazar1623
fasthold1623
afforcement1642
castle-town1646
post1648
garrison-town1649
bridlea1661
palank1685
place of arms1704
ostrog1761
qila1761
presidio1763
gurry1786
thana1803
pa1823
castrum1836
lis1845
Gibraltar1856
training post1867
kasbah1902
jong1904
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 197 Ach þis hechȝe sacrament..unwrið hise wrenches & brekeð hise strencðes.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) 2 Kings v. 17 Dauyþ..wente doun in to a strengþe [a1425 L.V. strong hold; L. præsidium].
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 449 Codrus..entrede in to þe strengþe of his enemyes [L. castra hostium ingreditur].
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) vi. l. 1595 Ther let he make of lym and sond A strengthe where he wolde duelle.
c1400 (?a1387) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Huntington HM 137) (1873) C. iv. l. 238 Meny hardy men that hadden wil to fyghte, To brennen and to bruten, to bete a-doun strengthes.
a1450 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Lamb.) (1887) i. 7142 Alle þe strengþes he gan to sese..he had alle þys forceresses.
c1450 (c1425) Brut (Cambr. Kk.1.12) 386 And so þe King gat and conquered alle the tounez and Castelles, Pilez, Streynthis, and Abbeyez, vnto Pountlarge.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) v. 469 Thai held the strynthis [1489 Adv. strenthis] of the land.
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid vi. xiii. 42 Sum in the hillis hie sall set wp syne The strenthis and the castellis Collatyne.
1542 in J. B. Paul Accts. Treasurer Scotl. (1908) VIII. 109 Utheris to kepe thair housis and strengthis un the bordouris.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 118 He toke money..and yeelded vp his Castelles and strengthes which he helde.
1598 R. Barret Theorike & Pract. Mod. Warres v. 121 The Generall of the Artillerie is to prouide for all the forts and strengths of the realme.
1643 King Charles I Declar. Treaty of Peace 20 If any Prince seize upon any strength that belongs to His stronger Neighbour.
1661 J. Davies Civil Warres cviii. 370 To lay down their Arms, and surrender Chester and other strengths.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vii. 141 This inaccessible high strength, the seat Of Deitie supream. View more context for this quotation
1748 T. Smollett Roderick Random I. xxxiii. 289 (heading) Our sailors at the same time become masters of all the other strengths near Bocca Chica.
1807 G. Chalmers Caledonia I. i. ii. 91 There was once a subterraneous communication, between these two British strengths, on Barry-hill.
1816 W. Scott Antiquary II. xiii. 328 Auld Elspeth's like some of the ancient ruined strengths and castles that ane sees amang the hills.
1870 J. H. Burton Hist. Scotl. to 1688 VI. lxi. 134 King James was to be taken to that lonely strength.
1908 D. Mitchell Tarbert in Picture & Story 13 A site which was of such strategic importance would have been occupied by a fortified strength from a very early period.
1969 N. Tranter Robert the Bruce: Steps to Empty Throne xvi. 269 One by one the Comyn's northern strongholds had fallen until the last remote strength of Lochindorb..was brought low.
1986 R. Munter & C. L. Grose Englishmen Abroad 38 Here it was seldom natural scenery that drew appraisal but things more immediately useful, fortified strengths, port facilities, trade and business prospects.
b. A defensive work, a fortification. Also: a natural formation affording protection. Now somewhat rare.In quot. c1400 figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > [noun]
workeOE
forcementa1382
strengtha1382
strengthinga1382
warding1382
closurea1400
bulwarkc1418
propugnaclea1460
fortification1489
munition?c1500
tuition1513
fortifying1523
furniture1577
munificence1596
bloccuz1600
burg-ward1753
propugnaculum1864
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. xxxiii. 16 The strengthys of huge stones his heȝte [L. munimenta saxorum sublimitas ejus].
c1400 (c1378) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Laud 581) (1869) B. xix. l. 362 (MED) Conscience comaunded þo al crystene to delue, And make a muche mote þat myȝte ben a strengthe, To helpe holycherche.
c1460 (?c1400) Tale of Beryn Prol. l. 239 The knyȝt..went to [MS wentto] se the wall, And þe wardes of the town..Devising ententiflich þe strengthis al a-bout.
1500 in M. Livingstone Reg. Secreti Sigilli Regum Scotorum (1908) I. 79/1 To big a tour..and mak thairapon irn zettis, machcolyn,..and al uther strenthis.
?1591 T. Coningsby Jrnl. Siege Rouen (Harl. 288) 55 in Camden Misc. (1847) I Monsieur St. Dennys..had made some lytle strengthes with casting of earth and laying of faggots.
1610 Acts 7 James I c. 20. sig. F For the making..keeping and mainteining of Peres, Wals, Jettes, piles, strengths, fortifications, defences, and other things whatsoeuer, to withstand and breake the rage and violent beating of the Sea.
a1637 B. Jonson Timber 337 in Wks. (1640) III That there was a Wall, or Parapet of teeth set in our mouth..that the rashnesse of talking should..be fenced in, and defended by certaine strengths, placed in the mouth it selfe, and within the lips.
1661 in P. H. Brown Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1908) 3rd Ser. I. 6 To cause demolish and slight the wallis, strenths and fortificationes of the Citiedale of Inuernesse.
1725 W. Broome in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey II. vi. 13 There round his tribes a strength of wall he rais'd, To heav'n the glitt'ring domes and temples blaz'd.
?1795 Consideration on State of Public Affairs 58 The varied face of a country full of mountains, ravines, passes, and other natural strengths.
1846 Parl. Gazetteer Ireland, 1844–5 I. 100/1 He..raised breastworks, redoubts, and other strengths in the bridge's vicinity.
1912 in D. Ferguson Castle Gay (ed. 2) 216 Wallenstein..at no time wilfully exposed his army to the chances of open battle, his inveterate habit being to retire behind fortifications or natural strengths on the approach of an enemy.
1956 A. J. Taylor Conway Castle & Town Walls, Caernarvonshire 14 Originally there were two or three [finials] to every merlon, and..they must have added a pleasing touch of lightness to the sombre strengths below.
c. A safe or secure position for a person or group; a strong place to be. In Wrestling (quot. 1713): a solid stance. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [noun] > safety or security > that which gives security
anchoreOE
tower13..
strengthc1425
rock1526
anchorage1596
assurer1607
anchor line1614
aventinea1625
anchorage ground1758
anchorman1895
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > wrestling > [noun] > strong position
strength1713
maginnis1869
c1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Vesp. B.xii) (1904) 28 (MED) Ȝife..þe day take hem by þe way or þei may come to her couerte, þei wil abide in some litel strength..til it be nyȝt.
1437 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Jan. 1437 §15. m. 6 Þe parysh kirk of Bidstone in þe same countee of Chestre, within his awne strenght.
1489 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (Adv.) iii. 44 Yarfor me thynk maist awenand To withdraw ws,..Till we cum owt off thar daunger, For owr strenth at our hand is ner.
a1500 (?c1450) Bone Florence (1976) l. 497 (MED) All þat were left onslayne Fledd vnto þer strenkyþ agayne.
a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 57/2 Then thought the protectour,..while ye lordes of the realme wer about him out of their owne strenghtis,..it wer best hastly to pursue his purpose.
a1627 J. Hayward Ann. Four Years Elizabeth (1840) 52 They kept themselves so within their strength, that only two of their horsemen and one of their footemen [were] slayne.
1645 O. Cromwell Let. July in Lett. & Speeches (1904) III. 246 Our Foot in the mean time coming on bravely, and beating the Enemy from their strength, we presently had the chase to Lamport and Bridgewater.
1703 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion II. ix. 540 The Counter-scuffle at Petherton-Bridge, when two of his own Parties..fought with each other, whilst the Enemy retired to their own strengths.
1713 T. Parkyns Inn-play 25 Stand straight and wide, but not out of your strength with your toe out.
12.
a. The tenor or import of a text, speech, etc. Obsolete.In quot. a1413: the most revealing or salient part of a story (cf. point n.1 25b).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > meaning of linguistic unit > drift, tenor, purport > [noun]
sentence?c1225
intent1303
tenora1387
intendment1390
strengthc1390
porta1393
meaningc1395
process1395
continencea1398
purposec1400
substance1415
purport1422
matterc1450
storyc1450
containing1477
contenu1477
retinue1484
fecka1500
content1513
drift1526
intention1532
vein1543
importing1548
scope1549
importance1552
course1553
force1555
sense?1556
file1560
intelliment?1562
proporta1578
preport1583
import1588
importment1602
carriage1604
morala1616
significancy1641
amount1678
purview1688
sentiment1713
capacity1720
spirit1742
message1828
thrust1968
messaging1977
c1390 (c1350) Proprium Sanctorum in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1888) 81 97 (MED) Þis is þe strengþe of þis gospel, As men in Englisch tonge may tel.
a1400 (c1300) Northern Homily: Serm. on Gospels (Coll. Phys.) in Middle Eng. Dict. at Strength(e This es the strenketh of our godspelle.
a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) ii. l. 260 Þe ende is of euery tales strengþe.
a1425 (a1382) Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Corpus Oxf.) (1850) Gen. xli. 26 Seuen oxen fayr, and seuen eerys fulle, seuen ȝeris of plentith ben, and the same strengthe of sweuen holdun.
1447 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Feb. 1447 §14. m. 4 That it be doone after the strengthe, fourme and effect of this peticion.
a1500 Eng. Conquest Ireland (Rawl.) (1896) 91 The fourme of thay Pryuylegis, as thay wer endyted..a-latyne, y may not comly sette in Englysh, and therfor y Hit Leue; But the mest streynth is this.
1615 R. Woods tr. A. Neville Norfolkes Furies sig. C4v When in this place hee had inforced all the strength of his speech, and all the company had heard him attentiuely and willingly, standing round about him while hee preached.
1651 Rec. Kirk Scotl. in J. Hunter Diocese & Presbytery Dunkeld (1918) II. 352 But the strenth of their answer did run to the point of necessity, but that was not satisfactory to the former.
1693 A. Monro Serm. Several Occasions vii. 228 And now he sums up in one pathetic Exhortation, the strength and design of the Gospel, and of all Religion.
b. The sound expressed by a character or symbol. Cf. power n.1 4b(b). Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > study of speech sound > speech sound > [noun] > of a letter, word, etc.
soundc1400
powerc1450
strength1602
1602 J. Willis Art Stenogr. sig. B5 In these wordes, H, hath the strength of a thicke Aspiration, as if they [sc. Ah, Oh] were thus written, Agh, Ogh.
c. Chiefly Australian. The point or meaning, the essential information; the gist. Usually with of. See also to get the strength of at Phrases 2k, that's (about) the strength of it at Phrases 2l.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > [noun] > essential meaning
insense1502
Englisha1568
aphorism1597
strength1862
1862 H. W. Wilkinson in Cornhill Mag. Nov. 648 If a thief wishes to tell you that you know all about a thing he will say, ‘You have got the full strength of it.’
1888 Austral. Town & Country Jrnl. 3 Mar. 32/3 ‘What do you mean?’..‘I'll just give you the strength of the case.’
1926 K. S. Prichard Working Bullocks xv. 136 Now..I'll just give you the strength of Red Burke... They say there never was a good Burke.
1958 F. Norman Bang to Rights i. 10 The strength was that he'd got nicked for ponceing off his old woman.
1974 J. Cleary Peter's Pence vi. 178 ‘What's the strength of all this?’ ‘Strength?’ Kessler's English didn't run to Australian colloquialisms. ‘What's the point, the meaning?’
1980 G. Dutton Wedge-tailed Eagle 93 What's the strength of this Nikolai?..I mean, what sort of a bloke is he?
2004 H. Sidey in W. Levantrosser & R. Perotti Noble Calling ix. 301 Well, what makes you think—I mean, what's the strength?
13. An aspect in which a person or thing is strong or strongest; a powerful or beneficial attribute or quality, a strong point.to play to a person's strengths: see play v. 17g.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun] > an advantage, benefit, or favourable circumstance
advantagec1330
commodity?a1439
strengthc1440
paya1450
purchasec1450
prize1595
profita1616
usefulness1660
use value1844
the world > action or operation > ability > [noun] > ability or talent > that for which one has special ability
strengthc1440
forte1682
long suit1759
strong card1795
strong point1798
strong suit1836
c1440 S. Scrope tr. C. de Pisan Epist. of Othea (St. John's Cambr.) (1970) 90 Þere was greete discorde for þis appil..and..þei took Paris for to iuge þe cause. Paris sought diligently þe strengþe and þe myȝte [Fr. de la force] of euery of them be þe silf.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. sig. N4v Know your strengths, and then you shall do well.
1631 B. Jonson Divell is Asse i. i. 24 in Wks. II Foolish feind, Stay i' your place, know your owne strengths, and put not Beyond the spheare of your actiuity.
1672 T. Comber Compan. Temple 80 Sin..defaceth its beauty, dismantles its strengths and brings down its highest and noblest faculties.
1743 Chambers's Cycl. (ed. 5) at Reconnoitre A general is to go reconnoitre in person, the place to be besieged, in order to learn it's situation, avenues, it's strengths and weaknesses.
1791 A. Ferguson Hist. Progress & Termination Rom. Republic (new ed.) VI. vi. iv. 179 They..made him acquainted with the weaknesses and the strengths of their country.
1850 H. James Moralism & Christianity ii. 68 My true property in nature includes all her strengths and sweetnesses.
1894 H. P. Liddon et al. Life E. B. Pusey I. i. 32 His strength lay in accurate verbal scholarship rather than in philosophy.
1919 ‘A. Pryde’ Marqueray's Duel (1920) viii. 123 Miss Browne had courage enough..for any passive part; her strength was to sit still.
1957 I. Asimov Naked Sun (1960) xviii. 195 Their strengths were their robots, their low population, their long lives, but what were their weaknesses?
2000 K. Charles Cruel Habitations (2001) xxii. 445 His vocabulary, never his greatest strength, failed him.
14. The physically strongest part.
a. gen. Obsolete.In quot. 1799 figurative.
ΚΠ
?1527 Iudycyall of Vryns ii. xiii. 42 b Ilica passio... Ile is the pyth and the strenth of a thyng.
1585 J. Higgins tr. Junius Nomenclator 143/1 Pulpa,..the hart, or strength of timber.
1639 Eng. Farrier (new ed.) xiii. sig. C4 Make your shooe..also somewhat broade..to gard the coffin, which is the strength of the hooue.
1725 W. Broome in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey I. ii. 427 Then studious she prepares the choicest flour, The strength of wheat, and wines, an ample store.
1799 Competency of Parl. Great Brit. & Ireland to incorporate Legislatures 26 The main pillars of the state may seem fair and unimpaired to outward superficial examination, while their pith and strength is scooped and hollowed out by undermining reptile vermin.
b. The fastest-flowing part of a stream or current.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > current > [noun] > main part
stream1398
strength1544
mainstream?1585
stream-way1822
1544 A. Cope Hist. Anniball & Scipio ii. f. 2 Hannibals horsmen..ouerthrewe a great number of their fotemen in the water, whiche thyng was easy to doo, for a footeman in the strength of the streame coulde in no wyse susteyne the force of a horseman.
1635 L. Foxe North-west Fox 264 The strength of tide along the coast will leave thee, then thou shalt not feare to direct thy course to Tartaria Cataia, or Japon.
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World vii. 168 They with their Paddles kept close under the Banks, and so had not the strength of the stream against them.
1778 J. Cook Jrnl. 28 June (1967) III. i. 391 We..came to an anchor in 28 fathom water, pretty near the South shore out of the strength of the Tide and yet we found it to run full five knots and a half.
1807 O. W. Roberts Voy. Central Amer. 258 Keeping generally in the strength of the current, which..carried us down with great velocity.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Strength of the tide, where it runs strongest, which in serpentine courses will be found in the hollow curves.
1900 J. Conrad Lord Jim xxxiv. 305 Tamb' Itam..stared right down the river, attentive to keep the long canoe in the greatest strength of the current.
1921 Motor Boating Sept. 10/2 The cobalt blue of the water told us that we were in the full strength of the Stream.
2012 D. H. Roberts tr. Aeschylus Prometheus Bound 34 The Caucasus itself, highest of mountains, where the river's strength bursts from the upper slopes.
c. Fencing. = forte n.1 2. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > fencing > [noun] > foil > part of
button1598
prime1639
feeble1645
foiblea1648
fortea1648
stronga1648
sworda1648
weak1683
seconde1688
strength1702
1702 H. Blackwell Eng. Fencing-master iv. 10 You must engage your Adversary with the Strength of your Foile on the Feeble of his.
1711 Z. Wylde Eng. Master of Defence 5 From the Shell to the middle, I call the Fort or Strength of the Weapon.
1780 J. McArthur Army & Navy Gentleman's Compan. i. x. 32 Let the foil be easy in your hand, with the point slightly pressed towards the fort or strength of your adversary's blade.
15.
a. The number of people, animals, or things forming a set or unit; a number used or acting together; a complement. Cf. senses 10b, 10c.In 19th cent. chiefly regional.man-strength: see man n.1 Compounds 2a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > sufficient quantity, amount, or degree > [noun]
fillc893
enoughOE
no lack (of)c1305
sufficiencec1380
suffisancec1381
suffisance1390
sufficienta1450
sufficienty1450
sufficient1470
store1471
sufficientlyc1485
sufficiency1531
satiety1569
strength1593
competence1600
sufficiency1608
competency1616
quantum sufficit1693
quantum suff.1763
adequacy1790
quant. suff.1799
critical mass1947
1593 G. Markham Disc. Horsmanshippe ii. sig. B2v When your Coltes haue attained the age of three yeeres olde.., it were good you driue them vppe into some close house, where hauing good strength of men, you may haulter them.
1640 J. Taylor Differing Worships 2 His Worships Altar's Crown'd with Glorious strength Of Massie Plate.
1717 Visct. Bolingbroke Let. to Windham (1753) 69 When..she took the resolution of laying him aside, there was a strength still remaining sufficient to have supported her government.
1748 B. Robins & R. Walter Voy. round World by Anson ii. ii. 128 Without the help of their crews he had no longer strength enough to navigate the ship.
1762 A. Dickson Treat. Agric. ii. xvii. 286 These two ploughings may be performed with the same strength, and in the same time with one clean ploughing.
1769 G. White Let. 2 Jan. in Nat. Hist. Selborne (1789) 62 Half a dozen gentlemen, furnished with a good strength of water-spaniels.
1834 Genesee (Rochester, N.Y.) Farmer 6 Dec. 388/3 What number of hands, and what strength of team is necessary to manage the machine advantageously? Two men,..and two horses, work the machine.
1875 W. Alexander Sketches Life among Ain Folk 140 Maister Mutch has stren'th o' men an' beasts to be mair nor maister o' a' the wark upo' the fairm.
1878 W. Dickinson Gloss. Words & Phrases Cumberland (ed. 2) Strenth o' men and pitchforks, power, influence.
1951 P. G. Wodehouse Let. 11 Oct. in Yours, Plum (1990) 180 The day Ethel arrived a stray dog turned up..and firmly added himself to the strength.
1962 Jet 26 Apr. 7 The city now has 51 dogs and is seeking a full strength of 100 trained dogs in about two years.
1972 Documents Brit. Foreign Policy 1919–39 2nd Ser. XII. 426 It was equally desirable that the number of guns per division should be limited, otherwise each division might have a strength of guns greatly in excess of normal requirements.
2009 A. Steel Painful in Daily Doses xviii. 211 A rousing performance of Mahler 6 with a massive string strength and 137 players in all.
b. A strong unit, a power. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > power > [noun] > powerful person or body
powerc1384
potencyc1607
potent1631
puissant1679
strength1711
1711 in B. C. Brown Lett. & Diplomatic Instr. Queen Anne (1935) xiii. 347 The..necessity of entertaining a good harmony between the two nations..without which there can at no time be formed a strength sufficient to reduce an exorbitant power and to preserve the balance of Europe.
1750 B. Franklin Let. 20 Mar. (1970) 40 The surest means of doing it, are, to regulate the Indian Trade..and to unite the several Governments, so as to form a Strength that the Indians may depend on for Protection.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Ulysses in Poems (new ed.) II. 91 We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven.
1872 V. C. Woodhull Let. 5 June in Sel. Writings (2010) xii. 81 Reformers, instead of falling asunder like a rope of sand, at every strain will be consolidated, by their co-operation, into a mighty strength.
1907 Filipino Teacher Mar. 2/2 When the idea, knowledge and opinion are combined together they form a strength which constitutes the great vigor and energy of union.
16. attributive. Scots Law. Designating goods or money which the tenant of a steelbow farm (see steelbow n.2) received from his landlord on entering the tenancy, which would have to be returned, repaid, or replaced on the expiry of the lease. Obsolete. rare.Earliest in strength silver n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > [noun] > farm-stock
stock1519
steelbow1532
strength1594
farm stock1680
stockinga1732
farming stock1749
dead stock1836
1594 in C. Innes Black Bk. Taymouth (1855) 268 Off strenthe siluer [£20].
1688 in D. C. MacTavish Inveraray Papers (1939) 84 Of strength horse tuentie tuo and fourtie four pounds.
1688 in D. C. MacTavish Inveraray Papers (1939) 84 There lyes in this rowm of strength corne fourtie eight bolls.
17. The aggregate resources of a country.Often with overtones of sense 1f.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > possessions > [noun] > public or national property
common good1416
strength1662
public stock1663
national treasure1696
nationality1830
nationalty1830
1662 W. Petty Treat. Taxes 75 By this way an excellent account may be taken of the Wealth, Growth, Trade, and strength of the Nation at all times.
1695 C. Davenant Ess. Ways & Means supplying War 122 In Taxing the people, we have hitherto gone chiefly upon Land, and Foreign Trade, which are about one third part of the strength of England.
1711 J. Swift Conduct of Allies 8 No Monarch..did ever engage beyond a certain Degree; never proceeding so far as to exhaust the Strength and Substance of their Country by Anticipations and Loans.
1797 Monthly Mag. Jan. 43/2 He endeavours..to prove, that the strength of the nation has increased faster than its burthens.
1812 G. Chalmers (title) An historical view of the domestic economy of G. Britain and Ireland..: with a comparative estimate of their efficient strength, arising from their populosity and agriculture, their manufactures, and trade, in every age.
1844 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Feb. 268/2 Colonies unite all these advantages; and it is in them that the real sources of our strength..are to be found.
1882 Jrnl. Statist. Soc. 45 331 Reducing the amount of the country's strength spent on intoxicating liquors.
1922 A. Nevins Evening Post ii. 43 It..emptied the national treasury and depleted the strength of the nation.
1968 L. B. Johnson in Code of Federal Regulations: Compilation to Title 3—President (Office of Federal Register, U.S.) 43 To sustain our Nation's strength through trade..we rely heavily on the men and ships of the American Merchant Marine.
2012 S. Garon Beyond our Means ii. 82 The French people..generally accepted the government's messages that their thrift contributed to the strength of the nation-state.
III. An action or act.
18. A physical exertion; an effort or attempt to do something; a feat of strength. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > find no difficulty in [verb (transitive)]
to make no strength of?c1225
strengthc1225
to make nothing to1675
to make nothing1688
to make much (also little, nothing, too much, etc.) of (or on)1711
to think nothing of1802
the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > [noun] > feat of strength
strength1487
c1225 (?c1200) Hali Meiðhad (Bodl.) (1940) l. 156 (MED) Ant þah hare meiðhad beo ed ure [read ediure] nuðe, þin is þe mare strengðe to halden.
c1330 (?a1300) Arthour & Merlin (Auch.) (1973) l. 5177 (MED) Þe Sarrazin..sir Wawain..asailed strong..Him to nim þai deden strengþe.
a1425 Medulla Gram. (Stonyhurst) f. 44 Nisus, strengþe.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xvi. 646 Thar did ane ynglis man, perfay, A weill gret strynth, as I herd say.
19. Strengthening, support, reinforcement, confirmation. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > strengthening or confirmation of immaterial things > [noun]
strenghinga1400
strengthc1400
affirmance1442
roboration1473
confirmation1520
corroboration1529
fortification1530
strengthening1535
hardening1544
establishment1561
re-enforcement1577
comforting1605
reinforcement1605
consolidation1611
establishing1846
undergirding1868
entrenchment1877
entrenching1950
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > [noun] > confirmation, corroboration
confirming1297
strengthc1400
affirmance1442
vidimus1513
corroborating1530
fortification1530
warranty1561
astipulation1618
support1629
corroboration1765
circumstantiation1841
c1400 Brut (Rawl. B. 171) 144 He passede þe see, and come into Engeland, þrouȝ conseil & strengþ & helpe of meny grete Lordes of Engeland.
a1475 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Godstow Nunnery (1905) i. 206 Yf nede were the sewters of the forsaid court shold come fully to the strengthe of the courte for the kyngis breef or writte ther to be demed at that tyme.
a1475 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Godstow Nunnery (1905) i. 95 (MED) Into witnesse and strengthe of all thyngis he made his seale.
a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk Festial (Gough) (1905) 52 Soo, for þis man was so yturnet from all wyckednesse ynto all goodnesse, yn gret strengþe and helpe to holy chyrch.
1565 T. Stapleton tr. Bede Hist. Church Eng. i. xii. f. 21 And forsomuch they thought that wold be sum helpe and strength vnto their loyal fellowes whom they wer now forced to forsake, they buylded vp a walle of hard stone from sea to sea.
1682 J. Bunyan Holy War 172 Oh! that..his battering Rams and Slings might be lodged in her for the use and service of the Prince, and for the help and strength of Mansoul. View more context for this quotation
1969 A. Baraka Black Magic 69 And let the strong men who he loves use him and his ways for the strength of the peoples.

Phrases

P1. In negative phrases.
a. to make no (also never) strength of, to do no strength of: to attach no importance to, to pay no attention to; to find no difficulty in. Obsolete.In quot. a1375, †to make no strength: to be indifferent.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > find no difficulty in [verb (transitive)]
to make no strength of?c1225
strengthc1225
to make nothing to1675
to make nothing1688
to make much (also little, nothing, too much, etc.) of (or on)1711
to think nothing of1802
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 272 Þe twa oðre. þe þach haweren seke. ne nome neauer ȝeme hwat wes hal. hwat unhal to eotene ne to drinken. ach neomen eauer forðricht hwat se god ham sende. ne makede neauer strengðe [a1300 Caius strecðe] of giniure ne of zeduale. ne of clou de gilofre.
c1300 St. Alban (Laud) 62 in C. Horstmann Early S.-Eng. Legendary (1887) 69 Huy comen to an vrninde brok þere huy mosten ouer wade; Þe tormentores woden ouer al a-brod and no strencþe þar-of ne maden.
?c1335 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 82 (MED) Þou doist no streinþ of god is hest; Of deþ whi neltov þenche?
a1375 (c1350) William of Palerne (1867) l. 2347 (MED) Þouhȝ þei murþer me þanne, i no make no strengþe.
b. no strength: no matter (= no force at force n.1 20a). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > be of no importance [phrase]
forcec1330
no wardc1330
no strength1340
no forcec1369
no mattera1466
what force?a1513
no skill1575
what matter?1678
the game (play, etc.) is not worth the candlea1699
nix my dolly1795
what the hell1872
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 51 And yef he him damnede be him zelue: þer-of no strengþe.
P2. In positive phrases.
a. by (also with) strength of, †by strength by: by virtue of, by means of, by force of (see force n.1 16).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > instrumentality > by the instrumentality of [phrase]
in virtue ofa1250
by (also with) strength of1340
by the virtue ofa1375
by way ofa1393
by (also through) (the) means (also mean) ofa1398
by remedy ofa1398
by force of1411
by feat of1489
by (occasionally through) the benefit ofa1538
in the way of1622
by the way of1623
by (the) dint of1664
by the force of1697
perforce of1714
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 126 (MED) He cliuen in to þe helle of perfeccion of liue be strengþe be hire oȝene uirtue.
c1405 (c1375) G. Chaucer Monk's Tale (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 589 Vp roos he Iulius the Conquerour That wan al the Occident by land and see By strengthe [c1415 Lansd. strenkeþe] of hond or ellis by tretee.
c1450 (a1400) R. Lavynham Treat. Seven Deadly Sins (Harl. 211) (1956) 11 (MED) Hate of herte is..be strengþe of euyl company to hyndrin & to harmyn his euyncristyn in persone or in goodis.
c1450 (c1425) Brut (Cambr. Kk.1.12) 383 He..Chargyd hym to delyuer þe toun and his Castel, or ellis he wolde hit gete with streynth of hond.
1555 H. Braham Inst. Gentleman sig. Eij When as they winning by strength of armes ye cuntrie of Asia..did frely geue [etc.].
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie ii. xi. 46 With strength of rowing we coasted along.
1598 W. Phillip tr. Descr. Voy. E. Indies 27 They entered into their boate, and by strength of oares rowed from vs.
1614 W. Raleigh Hist. World i. iii. viii. §9. 101 By this counsaile he made way to other practices, wherein by strength of his reputation..hee played his owne game.
1727 A. Hamilton New Acct. E. Indies II. xxxiii. 21 They come down in the Month of October, before the Stream of the River, but are obliged to track them up again, with Strength of Hand, about 1000 Miles.
1773 Gentleman's Mag. Feb. 93/2 How will my Fox alone, by strength of parts, Shake the loud Senate.
1834 J. Blackie tr. J. W. von Goethe Faust 7 He courts a crowd, the surer to control By strength of art the sympathetic whole.
1907 To-morrow Jan. 29 That long since mourner By strength of her past pain, Claims motherhood in honor.
1996 R. Patai Jews of Hungary vi. 63 A document written by Jews had legal force in proceedings against them..merely by strength of their signature.
b. in one's own strength: (chiefly in religious language) relying only on oneself (and not on divine grace), without help.
ΚΠ
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) 1 Kings ii. 9 For in his owne strengþe schal not ben strengthyd a man [L. non in fortitudine roborabitur vir].
1533 tr. Erasmus Enchiridion Militis Christiani i. sig. A.viiiv (margin) No man is stronge in his owne strengthe.
1552 Abp. J. Hamilton Catech. Tabil sig. *.iv Of hoip in our awin strenth.
1677 R. Gilpin Dæmonol. Sacra i. xviii. 150 The like spoil of Duty is made, when we adventure upon it, in our own strength.
1705 M. Henry Check to Ungovern'd Tongue 39 Peter resolved against a Tongue-Sin in his own strength.
1801 Evangelical Mag. Dec. 459 I was seeking in my own strength, and actuated wholly by selfish views.
1869 H. B. Stowe Oldtown Folks xv. 165 Whatever sorrows might have crushed the poor heart that beat beneath that fair form, they were borne in her own strength, with no uplooking for aid.
1956 Life 1 Oct. 146/1 Too long now we have tried to cope with our social ills in our own strength.
2006 I. M. Duguid Numbers xiv. 141 In my own strength I am unable to write a sermon that will break the stony hearts of unbelievers.
c. to make strength: (a) to resort to force; (b) to make military preparations; to gather an armed force. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > violent behaviour > behave violently or use force [verb (intransitive)]
to do outragec1325
to make forcea1340
deray1340
outrayc1390
to make strengtha1393
tar and tig?a1500
bull1884
strong-arm1906
to kick ass1977
to get medieval1994
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. l. 2413 That thing mai I noght fulfille, Bot if I scholde strengthe make.
1611 J. Speed Hist. Great Brit. vii. ii. 308/1 Ludecan..therefore the yeere following made strength (sufficient to their seeming) to meet these their enemies.
1876 Ld. Tennyson Harold 128 Draw thou to London, there make strength to breast Whatever chance, but leave this day to me.
d. Hunting with (also by) strength: in the open with the hounds in full cry; cf. force n.1 22a. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > hunting > [adverb] > by way of regular chase
with (also by) strengtha1425
a1425 Edward, Duke of York Master of Game (Digby) xxv. 89 Whan þe kynge..will hunte for þe herte with strength, þe maister of þe game moste haue [etc.].
a1450 ( G. Chaucer Bk. Duchess (Tanner 346) (1871) l. 351 Al men spake of hontyng hou þei would sle þe hert wiþ strengthe.
c1450 Twiti Venery (Mellon) (1977) 50 (MED) Yf the houndez be hardy and take þe hert by strengþe, þe hunter schall haue þe suyde by ryȝt.
e. (to go, grow, etc.) from strength to strength: (to continue or develop) with increasing success or vigour. [After Hebrew mēḥayil ’el-ḥāyil (Psalm 84:7, compare quot. 1535); compare the corresponding passages in Hellenistic Greek ἐκ δυνάμεως εἰς δύναμιν (Septuagint) and post-classical Latin de fortitudine in fortitudinem (Hebraic Psalter; also de virtute in virtutem (Roman Psalter, Gallican Psalter)).]
ΚΠ
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Psalms lxxxiv. 7 They go from strength to strength.
1585 Abp. E. Sandys Serm. xii. 204 Walke therefore, goe on from strength to strength, from vertue to vertue.
1620 R. Newton Countesse of Mountgomeries Eusebeia 56 And euery day [true faith] growes from strength to strength, better'd in knowledge,..better'd in obedience.
1681 J. Flavell Method of Grace xxv. 438 The new creature is a thriving creature, growing from strength to strength.
1746 Important Question Discussed 31 The House of Bourbon every where encroaching upon its neighbours, still adding town to town, and going on from strength to strength.
1849 J. C. Hare Serm. Preacht Herstmonceux Church II. xxiv. 468 Mounting from strength to strength, from highth, to a higher highth!
a1879 F. R. Havergal Poet. Wks. (1884) II. xi. 223 Now, onward, ever onward, from ‘strength to strength’ we go.
1936 H. Temperley Eng. & Near East i. 15 His reign had begun in weakness but was proceeding from strength to strength.
1972 ‘C. Fremlin’ Appointment with Yesterday ii. 17 Julian went from strength to strength. House-Surgeon, Registrar, Senior Registrar.
2004 Daily Tel. 16 Aug. 6/1 British ‘granny chic’ is going from strength to strength among the city's trendsetters.
f. in strength: with a large or highly effective military force, in large numbers.
ΚΠ
1582 J. Yates Castell of Courtesie f. 4v Not twentie thousande Soldiers prest in strength will ought preuaile: This Castle once for to assault or once it to assaile.
1689 R. Cox Hibernia Anglicana: Pt. 1 App. iv. 11 The British and Protestants stand most assured to be devoured by the Irish, if they shall stand in strength.
1818 J. T. Jones Acc. War Spain & Portugal 423 Buonaparte was yet in strength to make face against the united armies of the remainder of Europe.
1877 W. H. Cope Hist. Rifle Brigade xv. 493 Directly the advance was made on the main position, the Ashantees attacked in strength against the left.
1899 Imperial & Asiatic Q. Rev. 7 10 So a lecture was read: the gods went in strength, The ‘official version’ was set forth at length.
1933 H. S. Gullett in J. H. Rose et al. Cambr. Hist. Brit. Empire VII. i. xix. 555 A series of local attacks in strength was decided upon in the northern British sectors.
2010 Private Eye 28 May 31/2 A quick reaction force..from the Coldstream Guards was sent in strength.
g. on the strength of, †upon the strength of.
(a) On the basis of, with the justification of; encouraged by.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > belief, trust, confidence > [adverb] > with reliance on
upon boldness of1330
on the strength of1590
on the faith ofa1645
fiducially1648
reliably1846
1590 J. Hester tr. J. Du Chesne Sclopotarie ii. 19 For being bold on the strength of nature, they take in hand desperate cures forsaken.
1659 P. Heylyn Certamen Epistolare 131 He pretends unto a special Revelation from the Privy Council, and grows so confident upon the strength of the intelligence, that [etc.].
1708 J. Addison Present State War 24 The Allies after a successful Summer are too apt upon the Strength of it to neglect their Preparations for the ensuing Campaign.
a1734 R. North Life F. North (1742) 53 Sir William Jones, who, upon the Strength of the Duke of Bucks, set his Lordship so hard for the Solicitor General's Place.
1780 Mirror No. 92 154 I have known a lady here contrive to make a figure for half the winter, on the strength of a plume of feathers, or the trimming of a petticoat.
1806 J. Beresford Miseries Human Life I. iii. 64 Going to see a party of strolling players on the strength of an encouraging report.
1845 C. Dickens Chimes iii. 110 [He] had considerably improved his acquaintance with Sir Joseph Bowley on the strength of his attentive letter.
1885 Manch. Examiner 13 July 5/2 He makes a careful selection of instances, on the strength of which he asks us to accept the conclusion at which he has arrived.
1922 H. Walpole Cathedral 261 I could have shouted for joy last night when I heard what your young hopeful had done... I had an extra drink on the strength of it.
2008 A. Axelrod Bradley (2009) iii. 31 President Woodrow Wilson had squeaked by to a second term..largely on the strength of his campaign slogan: ‘He kept us out of war.’
(b) With the strength derived from, fortified by (food or drink). [Probably ultimately with reference to 1 Kings 19:8 in the strength of that meat (King James Bible; equivalent phrase already in Wycliffite Bible), itself after Hebrew bĕḵōaḥ hā’ăḵīlāh in the strength of the food; compare the corresponding passages in Hellenistic Greek ἐν τῇ ἰσχύι τῆς βρώσεως ἐκείνης (Septuagint) and post-classical Latin in fortitudine cibis illius (Vulgate).]
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > [phrase] > with strength derived from food or drink
on the strength of1633
1633 P. Massinger New Way to pay Old Debts ii. ii. sig. D4v Here; drinke it off, the ingredients are cordiall... You may ride on the strength of this till to morrow morning.
1682 J. P. tr. H. Ludolf New Hist. Ethiopia iii. xi. 338 They were met by Emanuel Barradas.., who furnish'd them with Provisions, Carriages, and all other things necessary. Upon the strength of which Refreshments, they began to ascend the towring Mountains of Abassia.
1717 M. Prior Alma iii. 243 Was ever Tartar fierce or cruel, Upon the Strength of Water-Gruel?
1860 N. Hawthorne Let. 11 Feb. in A. Trollope Lett. (1983) I. 97 Have you ever read the novels of Anthony Trollope? They precisely suit my taste; solid and substantial, written on the strength of beef and through the inspiration of ale.
1977 A. C. Yu tr. C. Wu Journey to West (1980) I. v. 140 Reeling from side to side, he stumbled along solely on the strength of wine, and in a moment he was lost.
2011 A. M. Hentschel tr. J. Lemmerich Sci. & Conscience: Life J. Franck v. 146 Fritz..wrote his dissertation on the strength of countless cups of coffee at a local café.
h. not to know (also realize) one's own strength: to fail to recognize one's power or capabilities; (now usually) to be unaware of the full (often harmful or destructive) effect or consequence of one's actions or behaviour.
ΚΠ
1596 H. Knyvett Def. Realme (1906) Epist. Ded. 7 Yo[u]r Monarque maie bee compared to a strong..younge horse, that if hee knew his owne strength, would never suffer the most skillfull..Rider.]
a1637 B. Jonson Timber 8 in Wks. (1640) III He knowes not his own strength, that hath not met Adversity.
1766 Monthly Rev. Dec. 440 We did not ourselves know our own strength, till the vigour of the last war..exerted the efforts of that power.
1800 T. Haweis Impartial Hist. Church of Christ II. iii. i. 356 Nor did he [sc. Luther] himself know his own strength, or suspect..the consequences, which would result from this small commencement.
1896 J. Conrad Outcast of Islands iii. i. 153 You don't know your own strength. This table is completely ruined.
1932 Motor Boating Feb. 160/1 I gave a tremendous yank (that is one trouble with me, I don't realize my own strength).
1951 L. L. Brown Iron City ii. 30 ‘Look out, Zach!’ Faulcon cried, breaking free. ‘You don't know your own strength.’
1980 New Mexican (Santa Fe) 8 Oct. (Festival of the Arts Suppl.) 3/4 [She was] powerful American photographer who almost didn't know her own strength.
2008 S. Supplee When Irish Guys are Smiling iii. 47 She shoved Delk playfully and nearly knocked her over. ‘Jeez! Sorry. Sometimes I don't know my own strength.’
i. Military. on the strength: on or on to the rolls of a regiment, corps, etc., or (now historical) the register of soldiers' wives and children recognized by the military authorities; opposed to off the strength.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military organization > enlistment or recruitment > [adverb]
on the strength1791
1791 in E. Moor Compilation Discipline & Expenditure Bombay Army (?1804) xiv. §22 No petition to the Governor in Council,..will be received, that is not signed by the senior officer of the corps to which the petitioner belongs; or by the town major, in cases where the petitioner is not on the strength of any corps.
1812 Duke of Wellington Suppl. Despatches (1860) VII. 296 All men missing from the 2nd battalion are to continue on the strength of the 2nd battalion.
1864 G. J. Whyte-Melville Brookes of Bridlemere ii The coloured clothes denoting that the wearer was a bâtman, or officer's servant, though on the strength of the regiment as a trooper in its ranks.
1889 Eng. Illustr. Mag. Apr. 533/2 The colonel had put the widow woman ‘on the strength’—she was no longer an unrecognized waif, but had her regimental position.
1897 United Serv. Mag. Nov. 147 Married soldiers are of two categories, those married ‘on the strength’ and those married ‘off the strength’.
1938 Life 18 Apr. 4/2 The British Army enlists boys of the age of 15 who learn drumming, and they are on the strength of the Regiment as boys until they attain the age of 19 years when they are taken on the strength as men.
2004 H. E. Raugh Victorians at War 345/2 A lottery was held to determine which of the wives on the strength would be allowed to accompany their husbands.
j. Military. off the strength: (so as to be) not entered on, or removed from, the rolls of a regiment, corps, etc., or (now historical) the register of soldiers' wives and children recognized by the military authorities; opposed to on the strength.
ΚΠ
1794 in E. Moor Compilation Discipline & Expenditure Bombay Army (?1804) xxv. §6 It is sir Robert Abercromby's orders, that when the invalids in his Majesty's service embark for Europe, the regiments strike them off the strength of their return.
1877 E. F. Du Cane Rep. Discipline & Managem, Mil. Prisons 25 Out of 100 prisoners,..3 got into trouble about a wife off the strength.
1897 United Serv. Mag. Nov. 147 Married soldiers are of two categories, those married ‘on the strength’ and those married ‘off the strength’.
1947 S. Bagnall Attack vii. 143 Absentees were struck off the strength so soon as it was known that they had gone absent.
2005 D. French Mil. Identities 256 In 1914 married men, whether they were married on or off the strength, were given a separation allowance for their wives and children.
k. colloquial (originally and chiefly Australian and New Zealand). to get the strength of: to understand the character, state, significance, or meaning of; to learn the truth about.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [phrase]
to know what's whatc1422
to know where to find a person1565
to see the light1812
to be awake to1813
to know a move or two1819
to get on to ——1880
to get the strength of1890
to be (or get) wise to1896
to get the picture1900
the penny dropped1939
to pick up1944
to get the message1959
to take on board1979
1890 Referee (Sydney) 3 Sept. 3 The only way to get the strength of him is to wait and watch.
1906 N.Z. Truth 26 Aug. 5 Wants a friend to get the strength of things.
1916 C. J. Dennis Moods of Ginger Mick 63 Then, bit be bit, Mick gits the strength uv it.
1925 E. Fraser & J. Gibbons Soldier & Sailor Words 272 Strength, to get the, to obtain the actual facts about anything.
1943 N. Marsh Colour Scheme v. 93 I don't get the strength of it myself. He wouldn't say much.
1969 Advertiser (Adelaide) 12 May 5/4 Get the strength of this: You [Australians] talk about bankos and trunks—is that English?
1980 Jrnl. Pacific Hist. 15 159 A message came from the Chief Judge, Charles Roberts,..that he had got the strength of it.
l. colloquial (originally Australian). that's (about) the strength of it: that is what it amounts to, that is the way things are; cf. that's (about) the size of it at size n.1 10f.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [phrase] > that's the way it is
that's (about) the size of it1860
that's (about) the strength of it1882
that's the way (also how) the ball bounces1952
that's the way the cookie crumbles1955
1882 Mercury (Victoria) 8 July 2/4 I knocked down £260 in six weeks, he had nearly the whole of it. That's the strength of it.
1892 Western Champion (Barcaldine, Queensland) 27 Dec. 8/3 ‘The mare will live to fight another day—eh, sir?’ ‘Yes. Perry, that's about the strength of it.’
1915 C. J. Dennis Songs Sentimental Bloke xii. 96 ‘It's 'er's an' yours fer keeps when I am gone,’ Sez Uncle Jim. ‘Lad, will yeh take it on?’ So that's the strength of it.
1946 K. Tennant Lost Haven (1947) ix. 129 If it hadn't been for her engine..you might just as well have left her on the sandbar to go to pieces... That's about the strength of it.
1965 A. Prior Interrogators x. 188 ‘Just passing and you saw the door was open?’ He laughed. ‘Well, yes, that's just about the strength of it.’
2001 J. Herbert Once (2007) xiii. 140 Not very comforting, I know, but unfortunately, that's the strength of it.
m. from strength: (a) Cards (in bridge, whist, and similar games) from a suit of which a player holds many or valuable cards; with or while holding a strong hand; (b) gen. from a strong, secure, or advantageous position.
ΚΠ
1862 ‘Cavendish’ Princ. Whist i. 19 By observing the card led by either adversary, you can tell whether he has led from strength or weakness.
1906 A. B. Shelby Bridge Abridged vii. 61 Though at times..they [sc. spades] are declared from strength, more often than not they represent weakness.
1944 Morning Herald (Hagerstown, Maryland) 5 May 12/2 The United Nations are at last beginning to lead from strength.
1980 S. King Firestarter (1981) xviii. 177 You want to show them that you mean business. It's like poker, Charlie. If you ain't dealin from strength..why, you just ain't dealin.
2008 Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Gaz. 23 May 4/2 Back in 2003, when the United States was operating from strength.., senior officials in Tehran put out feelers for negotiations.
n. colloquial. (God) give me strength: used as an expression of exasperation.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > anger > irritation > expression of irritation [interjection]
when1592
pshaw1607
que voulez-vous1841
psht1868
what the Hanover1902
gah1917
give me strength1923
for crying out loud1924
1923 J. Colton & C. Randolph Rain ii. 96 God give me strength! How many times have I got to tell you that black bearded sin buster doesn't mean a thing to me.
1953 H. C. Lindsey Forever Judy 11 Judy. Sandy Sanders and I are engaged. Isn't it wonderful? Hubert. (Closes his eyes, grimaces and clenches his fists) Give me strength!
1970 K. Benton Sole Agent xviii. 194 ‘You make all my plans sound so drab and sordid.’ ‘Oh give me strength!’
2009 J. Wilson Hetty Feather (2010) 410 ‘You don't think he's ill or anything?’ ‘Give me strength! Ella, all babies are sick.’
o.
strength through joy n. historical a movement founded in Germany by the National Socialist Party in 1933 to promote physical and cultural recreational activities among working people; the ideals or activities of this; (in extended use, usually depreciative) similar ideals or activities pursued elsewhere. Frequently attributive. [After German Kraft durch Freude, the name of the organization (1933; also used attributively, although more commonly in the abbreviated form KdF).]
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > rule or government > politics > German politics > [noun] > political associations or societies
Tugendbund1828
Spartacus group1918
Reichsbanner1924
Stahlhelm1927
strength through joy1933
S.D.S.1968
1933 Times 30 Nov. 13/6 The ‘after work’ institutions of that body [sc. the German Labour Front] are not to be called officially N.D.A. (Nach der Arbeit)..but the ‘Kraft durch Freude’—‘Strength through Joy’—community.
1934 Times 1 Feb. 13/7 Herr Alfred Rosenberg..will also watch over the work known as ‘Strength through Joy’, in which the leisure time and pursuits of the workers are to be organized.
1939 Ann. Reg. 1938 iii. 201 During the first days after the ‘Anschluss’, 10,000 [Austrian] workers..had been invited for a fourteen-day trip to Germany where they..were shown the institutions of the Kraft durch Freude (strength through joy) movement.
1943 Tribune 4 June 19/1 The strength-through-joy brigades you will have met Whose mouths are baggy and whose hair is scented.
1962 L. R. Banks End to Running ii. iv. 177 Full of an awful sort of phoney strength-through-joy.
1973 ‘G. Black’ Bitter Tea x. 156 The girl..looked as if she had graduated from one of Lee Kuan Yew's strength-through-joy courses.
1975 Listener 16 Jan. 71/3 Physical fitness was a Nazi fetish..bronzed young Germans cultivating ‘strength-through-joy’.
1979 J. Gardner Nostradamus Traitor xv. 86 ‘They sent me up to Scotland.’ It was a toughening-up course at a Strength Through Joy Camp... Survival. Living off the land.
2011 T. S. Brown in S. Duncombe & M. Tremblay White Riot iv. 128 Strength Through Oi! (a play on the name of the Nazi-era leisure-time organization Strength Through Joy).

Compounds

C1. General attributive.
strength constant n.
ΚΠ
1881 Q. Jrnl. Geol. Soc. 39 139 On the Elasticity and Strength-constants of Japanese Rocks. By Thomas Gray..and Prof. John Milne.
1928 A. D. Ritchie Compar. Physiol. Muscular Tissue iii. 62 If to any individual we allot a ‘strength constant’ λ, which will depend upon his size and muscular development, then his curve will fit a ‘standard’ curve in the sense that he can impart to mass Mλ the same velocity as the ‘standard’ individual can to mass M.
1993 New Scientist 4 Dec. 28/1 The ratio..should be controlled by the ‘strength constant’ of the strong nuclear force.
strength return n. [return n. 3b]
ΚΠ
1887 Memorandum War Rec. Office in Dept. of War 49 in Rep. Select Comm. Executive Depts. (1888) (50th Congress, 1st Sess.: Senate Rep. 507, Pt. 3) The necessary organization tables, casualty and strength returns, are compiled.
1921 ‘I. Hay’ Willing Horse ix. 182 I had just dictated provisional Battalion Orders for the morrow; made the usual mistakes in the weekly Strength Return.
1998 J. T. Power Lee's Miserables 239 When the army did fight the Federals for the first time in 1865, it would do so with..considerably fewer men than those present for duty on the strength returns of 31 December.
strength test n.
ΚΠ
1832 Jrnl. Franklin Inst. 9 New Ser. 210 (heading) Strength test for bleaching powder.
1898 Engineering 19 Aug. 248/2 (heading) Strength tests of Swedish iron and steel.
1964 H. F. W. Taylor Chem. Cements I. 2 Physical determinations, such as strength tests, are usually made with an aggregate present.
2002 Design News (Nexis) 22 Apr. 33 Gentex has conducted strength tests of overlap joints in various sheet stocks and films.
C2. Objective with agent nouns, verbal nouns, and present participial adjectives.
strength-conferring adj.
ΚΠ
1720 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad V. xix. 167 Built anew with Strength-conferring Fare.
1779 Bp. G. Horne Disc. I. iv. 132 When strongly solicited to taste the Tree of Death, listen to that strength-conferring voice, which crieth from the eternal throne.
1890 R. T. H. Griffith tr. Hymns Rigveda II. iii. xl. 49 Indra, whom many laud, accept the strength-conferring Soma-juice.
1990 Cambr. Opera Jrnl. 2 129 Siegfried, far from wrestling her strength-conferring ring away from her.., merely picks it up from the corner where she tossed it.
strength-decaying adj. Obsolete rare
ΚΠ
1600 Weakest goeth to Wall sig. F3 Strength-decaying age.
strength-giver n.
ΚΠ
1852 Sc. Temperance Rev. Sept. 403/2 He endeavoured..to turn their thoughts to the only Strength-giver in such an hour of sorrow.
1919 W. T. Grenfell Labrador Days 175 Roderick was too feeble to touch more than a bit of it soaked in hot tea, and that seemed a small strength-giver for such a time of need.
2004 One-Minute Prayers for Busy Moms 24 I have been running on..temporary, fabricated strength-givers like caffeine and junk food.
strength-giving adj.
ΚΠ
1781 M. Browne Sunday Thoughts (ed. 4) iii. 129 Saw his dear Saviour, bright in Prophecy. Hear'd, hear'd him speak! with kind Strength-giving Voice.
1845 J. R. Lowell in Amer. Rev. Aug. 137 I saw them in all higher moods, and durst Face their strength-giving eyes.
1920 J. M. Camp & C. B. Francis Making, Shaping & Treating of Steel (ed. 2) iii. iv. 580 Its [sc. nickel's] beneficial effect upon the physical properties of the steel, for which purpose it is preeminently a strength giving element.
2005 Culture, Health & Sexuality 7 535 Semen is considered a strength-giving substance.
strength-increasing adj.
ΚΠ
1663 Marquis of Worcester Cent. Names & Scantlings Inventions Index p. iij A Strength-increasing Spring.
1958 P. C. Chen Canad. Patent 559,190 15 Steel shot..to which has been added at least one suitable strength increasing metal.
2003 J. Kandel & C. Adamec Encycl. Senior Health & Well-being 111/2 Even very elderly people can learn to perform simple strength-increasing exercises.
strength-inspiring adj.
ΚΠ
1742 J. Wesley & C. Wesley Hymns & Sacred Poems ii. 255 Captain, Thy Strength-inspiring Eye Scatters my Doubts.
1799 T. Campbell Pleasures of Hope & Other Poems i. 101 Thy strength-inspiring aid.
1855 W. Knighton Trop. Sketches I. iv. 85 I enjoyed its delightful temperature and strength-inspiring breezes all the more keenly because I was in perfect health.
1911 A. Harper Via Lucis & Other Poems 52 Your strength-inspiring presence made them glad.
2002 C. Chism Allit. Revivals iii. 90 The strength-inspiring token on the privy side of Gawain's shield.
strength-restoring adj.
ΚΠ
1635 F. Quarles Emblemes i. xi. 45 And fresh their tyred soules with strength-restoring sleepe.
1749 H. Jones Poems Several Occasions 188 The rescu'd mother and her Infant thrive; Through timely care and Strength-restoring Food.
1852 P. J. Bailey Festus (ed. 5) 524 Another holy day..hath now slid Into the passive strength-restoring night.
1940 Life 2 Sept. 82/2 Rebuilding depleted soil through strength-restoring crops.
2003 Jerusalem Post (Nexis) 3 Oct. 28 The main course was harira, a satisfying soup... Serving such a strength-restoring concoction is the tradition in the homes of Jews of Moroccan origin.
strength-sapping adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily weakness > weakening > [adjective]
weakeninga1586
enfeebling1598
emasculating1741
strength-sapping1859
1859 F. W. Wyon Poems 43 The strength-sapping lap of peace.
1961 Times 6 Dec. 3/4 Both boxers kept up a strength-sapping pace.
2012 Western Morning News (Plymouth) (Nexis) 20 July 3 In the aftermath of a strength-sapping course of chemotherapy, the eight-year-old was then so weak she could barely walk.
strength-showing adj.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > bridge > [adjective] > system of bidding > types of bidding
pre-emptive1913
takeout1914
shut-out1916
artificial1927
rebiddable1930
strength-showing1930
one-over-one1931
psychic1932
game-forcing1933
redoubled1954
responsive1956
multi-purpose1972
multicoloured1976
multi1977
1930 E. Culbertson Contract Bridge Blue Bk. xx. 267Strength showing’ optional or artificial bids..are a polite warning to the enemy not to fall into the trap.
2009 B. Manley Everything Bridge Bk. (ed. 2) iv. 45 Many new players make the mistake of thinking they have to make some kind of strength-showing jump bid.
strength-sustaining adj.
ΚΠ
?1624 G. Chapman tr. Hymn to Hermes in tr. Crowne Homers Wks. 75 Because he beares Of strength-sustayning youth, the flaming yeares.
1838 Botanico-Med. Recorder (Columbus, Ohio) 28 July 338/2 The superiority of the stimulating, strength-sustaining practice, over the depleting, refrigerating, life-destroying system.
1997 Sydney Morning Herald 22 Feb. 42 All the de rigueur accoutrement of designer helmet, gloves,..and strength-sustaining energy bottles.
strength testing n. and adj.
ΚΠ
1867 Boston Almanac 32 (advt.) The Improved Bastazometer, or Strength Testing and Developing Apparatus..is especially adapted for use in hospitals.
1878 Brit. Friend 2 Dec. 306/2 After a strength-testing and continuous travel from Shoshong, of more than seven weeks,..we arrived at our destination.
1935 Pop. Mech. Nov. 152A/1 The two blocks were placed in a scientific Strength-Testing machine.
1969 Sci. News 14 June 576/2 Normally, concrete hardens to 90 percent of its strength in 28 days but is ready for strength testing after seven.
2012 J. S. Dines et al. Sports Med. of Baseball vi. 49/1 Strength testing of the shoulder should include testing of strength in abduction and external rotation.
C3.
a. attributive with the sense ‘of, relating to, or engaged in physical training specifically designed to develop strength’, as strength athlete, strength exercise, strength workout, etc. Such training often involves resistance work: cf. resistance n. Compounds 3.
ΚΠ
1885 Proc. Assoc. Advancem. Physical Educ. 231 Gymnastic and athletic exercises in which an outer body is moved or an outer resistance combated (as putting the shot, wrestling, or, generally, the strength exercises).
1933 Pop. Mech. Mag. Jan. 32 a/1 (advt.) Larry is only one of hundreds of my pupils who have excelled as strength athletes.
1964 Berkshire Eagle (Pittsfield, Mass.) 20 Apr. 19/6 General Manager Bob Fitzgerald announced today creation of the post of ‘strength coach’ on the staff of the Springfield Acorns.
1967 Mod. Gymnast Feb. 26/2 A strength work-out after a regular work-out must be done in order to attain the strength necessary to work rings.
1999 L. Allen Active Older Adults i. 96/2 The strength exercises are designed to be performed with a set of soft ankle weights.
2014 Globe & Mail (Toronto) (Nexis) 21 Jan. l7 Before a strength workout, eat a carbohydrate-rich snack that includes at least 6 g of protein to enhance post-exercise muscle repair.
b.
strength training n.
ΚΠ
1948 G. Z. Dupain Exercise & Physical Fitness xix. 172 The diet in strength training should follow along the same lines as endurance.
1986 D. Scott & L. Barrett Dave Scott's Triathlon Training vii. 142 Strength training is a supplement to your overall triathlon training program.
2008 Esquire Feb. 143/2 That is what strength training is all about: you must reach muscular overload after only a few repetitions.
C4.
strength-to-weight ratio n. the ratio of the strength (usually the tensile or compressive strength) of an object to its weight, or that of a substance to its density.
ΚΠ
1877 Eng. Mechanic 16 Nov. 240/2 This would give the ratio of strength to weight of ‘C. G.'s’ projected bridge.]
1922 Automotive Industries 5 Oct. 672/1 The strength to weight ratio of the beams is largely governed by their location in the profile of the aerofoil.
1978 Jrnl. Royal Soc. Arts 126 682/1 The primary incentive for the development of titanium was without doubt its strength-to-weight ratio and the potential of this property in aircraft construction.
2002 Business Rev. Weekly 18 Apr. 69/2 Nano-composites are used in the automotive and packaging industries because of their very high strength-to-weight ratio.
strength/weight ratio n. = strength-to-weight ratio n.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > metal > qualities of metals > [noun] > ratio of metal strength to weight
strength/weight ratio1921
1921 War Work Bureau of Standards (U.S. Dept. of Commerce) 297 The strength-weight ratio for S-spring spoke wheels was found to be 160 in side thrust and 380 in radial compression.
1945 F. S. Stewart Airframe Materials i. 2 The strength-weight ratio of materials used in airframes is of such great importance.
2003 D. J. Dowrick Earthquake Risk Reduction viii. 262 Timber performs well in low rise buildings, partly because of its high strength/weight ratio.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2015; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

strengthv.

Brit. /strɛŋ(k)θ/, /strɛnθ/, U.S. /strɛŋ(k)θ/
Forms:

α. early Middle English stræncþe, early Middle English strencðe, early Middle English strengðdeð (past tense), early Middle English strengðe, early Middle English strenðe, Middle English stengþeþ (3rd singular present indicative, transmission error), Middle English strangthe, Middle English straynthe, Middle English streinþe, Middle English streinyed (past tense, perhaps transmission error), Middle English strencþe, Middle English strencthe, Middle English strenghte, Middle English strenghthe, Middle English strenghye (northern), Middle English strengþ, Middle English strengþe, Middle English strength, Middle English strengthe, Middle English strenȝthe, Middle English strengtht (past participle), Middle English strengþi, Middle English strengye (east midlands), Middle English strengyhe (northern), Middle English strenhthe, Middle English strenkþe, Middle English strenkthe, Middle English strenþe, Middle English strenth, Middle English strenthe, Middle English strenye (northern), Middle English strenyhe (northern), Middle English streyngethe, Middle English streynghthe, Middle English streyngþe, Middle English streyngthe, Middle English streynþe, Middle English streynye (East Anglian), Middle English strinkth, Middle English strinþ, Middle English strinth, Middle English stryngthe, Middle English–1500s streynth, 1500s streingthe; Scottish pre-1700 strength, pre-1700 strenth, pre-1700 strenthe, pre-1700 strinth, pre-1700 strinthlyt (past tense, perhaps transmission error), pre-1700 strynth.

β. Middle English renght (transmission error), Middle English strenght, Middle English strent, Middle English streynght, Middle English streynt, Middle English strynghte; Scottish pre-1700 strent.

γ. Middle English strengeþe, Middle English strenghyth, Middle English strenkethe, Middle English strenkiþ, Middle English strenkith, Middle English strenkyth (in a late copy), Middle English streyngethe, Middle English streyngythȝ, Middle English streynkyth.

δ. Scottish pre-1700 strentht.

Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: strength n.
Etymology: < strength n. Compare slightly earlier strengh v.Some later examples may show errors for strengthen v. Most of the Middle English α. forms with y representing the dental fricative (e.g. strengye) are from texts which show no distinction between the letter forms y and þ.
I. To make strong or stronger, to strengthen. (Strengthen has been the more common form since the mid 16th cent.)
1.
a. transitive. To give spiritual or moral strength to; to give courage, confidence, or resolution to; to encourage. Cf. strengthen v. 2a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > strengthening or confirmation of immaterial things > strengthen or confirm immaterial things [verb (transitive)]
strengha1175
strengthc1200
astrengthc1250
strength1340
confirmc1386
affirma1393
forcec1430
renforce?1473
corrobore1485
re-enforcec1485
reinforcec1485
stronga1500
consolidate?a1547
strengthen1546
sinewize1600
sinew1625
confortate1651
nervate1682
scaffolda1693
corroborate1698
substantiate1792
nerve1856
stouten1887
affirm1899
toughen1901
to put stuffing into1938
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > adhere constantly or steadfastly to [verb (transitive)] > make steadfast
strongOE
strengthc1200
stablea1300
resolvea1398
sadc1400
nourish?a1425
settle1435
pitha1500
stiffen?a1500
steel1581
toughen1582
ballastc1600
efforta1661
fix1671
balance1685
to fix the mercury1704
instrengthen1855
to put stuffing into1977
c1200 ( West Saxon Gospels: Luke (Hatton) i. 80 Soðlice se cnape weox & wæs on gaste gestræncþed [OE Corpus Cambr. gestrangod, OE Lindisf. gestrenced; L. confortebatur].
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 201 Hi ssolle ysy god ine him-zelue ase he is be byleaue alyȝte and y-strengþed be þe yefþe of onderstonndinge.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 22366 Þai sal..strinth þaim al gain þat fight.
1450–1 Rolls of Parl.: Henry VI (Electronic ed.) Parl. Nov. 1450 §8. m. 2 Every of theym..comforted, eided, assisted and strenghted other, to the seid murdre.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection i. sig. Diiiiv God is as redy to here hym, and with his grace to helpe and strength hym.
1588 A. King tr. P. Canisius Cathechisme or Schort Instr. 184 Men..being be the Haly Ghaist steirit and strenthed.
1634 J. Downham Christian Warfare (ed. 4) To Christian Reader Things which by experience I found necessarie, for the comforting of afflicted consciences, and strengthing them against Sathans tentations.
1707 R. Franck Admirable & Indefatigable Adventures Nine Pious Pilgrims 111 That holy, and that sacred Name, that strengthed me above Fear with a lively Hope.
1819 P. Allen Hist. Amer. Revol. I. xiii. 412 It was of infinite service in quieting the fears of the timid and strengthing the resolute.
1886 A. Gilman Story of Saracens (1887) xi. 95 She strengthed him in all his purposes; through her he believed that Allah sent him comfort.
1902 J. Packard Recoll. Long Life xx. 243 Their first communion..left a deep impression on his mind..and strengthed him amidst the temptations of his university life.
1993 K. S. Linamen Parent Warrior iii. iv. 166 Strengthed by prayer, Vic and Bonnie swore they would never bail Ronnie out.
b. transitive (reflexive). To exert oneself, strive (to do something); to summon up one's strength. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > summon up one's strength [verb (reflexive)]
strengtha1225
a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris Old Eng. Homilies (1868) 1st Ser. 51 (MED) Crabbe is..of swulc cunde þet euer se he mare strengðdeð him to sw[i]mminde mid þe watere se he mare swimmeð abac.
a1350 in K. Böddeker Altengl. Dichtungen (1878) 257 (MED) A mon..streinþede him bi al ys miht to serue god.
c1400 Bk. to Mother (Bodl.) 139 (MED) Ȝif he ony tyme strengþeþ him to arise, [etc.].
c1450 (c1415) in W. O. Ross Middle Eng. Serm. (1940) 141 (MED) Now shall we strenght vs to fast.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) iii. 109 Whan Bayarde wyst hymselfe lade wyth two knyghtes, he strengthed hym selfe so strongly, that it semed to Reynawde that he was more ioyouse.
2. transitive. To give bodily strength to; to increase the physiological strength or operation of. Cf. strengthen v. 4a.In quot. c1300 perhaps: to tighten the muscles of.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > strengthening > make strong [verb (transitive)]
strengha1175
strengthc1300
fastena1398
starka1400
fortify14..
enstrength1483
roborate1534
enstrengthen1539
strengthen1539
strengthen1546
masculate1623
nerve1694
nervate1792
c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Otho) (1963) l. 956 He..nam him heorte to and strengþede [c1275 Calig. streahte] his harmes. and breid Gemagog þat his rugge a two barst.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1969) Isa. xxxv. 3 Counfortiþ þe hondis loosid atwynne: & þe feble knes strengthiþ.
tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) xii. l. 374 (MED) Til the lamb be strengthed to pasture, Hym first and last his modir mylk releue.
a1450 ( tr. Vegetius De Re Militari (Douce) (1988) 49 (MED) What haþ most profited vs of Rome? Forsoþe þe chesing..of persones..sad..wyse..and such on þus chosen to..strengþe also his body and his lymes in exercise, [etc.].
a1500 (?a1425) tr. Secreta Secret. (Lamb.) 82 Thynges þat strynghtes and makys fat þe body.
?1541 R. Copland Guy de Chauliac's Questyonary Cyrurgyens ii. sig. Hj With the mediastinum wherwith it [sc. the heart] is steyed and strengthed.
a1698 L. Muggleton Acts of Witnesses (1699) ii. iii. 46 Thou..gavest them leave to abstain by degrees from all kind of Food, that should have preserved and strengthed their Natures.
1742 Cheap, Sure, & Ready Guide to Health (ed. 2) 13 The Stomach, the Blood and Spirits shall be better pleas'd and strengthed with the Infusions or Tinctures made in the Water of the Foun[t]ain.
1829 J. Aikman tr. G. Buchanan Hist. Scotl. (new ed.) I. 284 He prohibited all games, except such as strengthed the body.
1852 Jrnl. Health New Ser. 1 262/1 A manual or mechanical system of strengthing the body and removing disease.
1998 Internat. Encycl. Dance V. 207/2 Russian practitioners of pointe work not only assimilated certain technical strengths from touring Italian ballerinas but also adapted the special shoe design that strengthed the Italians' feet.
2002 A. Hart New Afghanistan's TV Anchorwoman viii. 109 Her arms and hands were strengthed by years of weightlifting.
3. transitive. To give defensive strength to, increase the defences of, fortify; to reinforce militarily in numbers or resources. Also: to reinforce by additional physical support, added thickness, etc. Also occasionally †intransitive with object understood. Cf. strengthen v. 1, 4.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > fortify [verb (transitive)]
fastenOE
enfirm1297
ofstrengthc1325
strengthc1325
warnc1330
ward1340
warnestorec1374
abattlec1380
embattlec1380
fortify1436
bulwark1450
strengthen1450
bastille1480
enstrength1483
rempare1525
munite1533
fence1535
force1535
ranforce1547
rampire1550
fort1559
ramforce1570
fortificate1575
refortify1579
ensconce1590
munify1596
sconce1598
renforce1602
harness1611
munish1633
tackle1645
schanze1901
c1325 (c1300) Chron. Robert of Gloucester (Calig.) 4720 (MED) Hii..strengþede castles.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1969) Ecclus. l. 1 Symeon..vndersette þe hous: &..strengþede [L. corroboravit] þe temple.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Bodl. 959) (1963) 2 Chron. xiv. 7 Bilde wee vp þese cites & enuyrowne wee with walles, & strengþe wee wiþ toures & ȝatis & lokis.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 9880 (MED) A castell..Strenthed wel..es hei sett a-pon þe crag.
a1450 ( in J. Kail 26 Polit. Poems (1904) 58 Strengþe ȝoure marche, and kepe þe see.
1472 in J. D. Marwick Charters Edinb. (1871) 135 We charge al..personis having tenementis or landis wythin the..burgh that thai strenth and fortify thair hede rovmys.
a1525 Eng. Conquest Ireland (Trin. Dublin) (1896) 68 The lond of Irland..whyche he hade y-cast for to streynth with castell.
a1535 T. More Dialoge of Comfort (1553) i. sig. A.iiv To stable and strength the walles of oure heartes agaynste the great sourges of this tempesteous sea.
1573 T. Tusser Fiue Hundreth Points Good Husbandry (new ed.) f. 20v Marsh wall too slight, strength now or god night.
1653 in Rec. Colony New Haven: 1653 to Union (1858) 11 All the confederated colonies..are in imminent danger of an invasion or warr,..from the Duch, (if once they be strengthed wth forces, either from the Netherlands or elsewhere).
1763 J. Almon Rev. Mr. Pitt's Admin. (ed. 3) 21 The fugitives of the enemy were collected and strengthed with a considerable number of fresh troops.
a1782 W. Cole in C. H. Cooper Ann. Cambr. (1852) IV. 253 The young Chevalier & his party had strengthed themselves by the capture of Carlisle.
1797 G. Staunton Hist. Acct. Embassy to China 468 A watch tower..provided with large massy doors strengthed with iron.
1840 New Yorker 2 Oct. 43/2 At Alexandria the Pacha had strengthed himself, and was prepared for very formidable resistance.
1867 J. N. Edwards Shelby xxi. 391 The division was strengthed by a regiment recently recruited in Southeast Missouri.
1903 Summary (Elmira, N.Y.) 19 Dec. 4/1 Germany has long been strengthing her navy.
1913 Cassier's Mag. Jan. 52/1 The fire-box is..of a corrugated and conical form, welded to the shell at the bottom, and strengthed by rivetting.
1984 I. Banks Wasp Factory 90 I used heavy orange nylon fishing-line for the string, wound round a specially made drum for the winch, which I had strengthed and fitted with a chest-brace.
4.
a. transitive. To increase in force or degree, to intensify, augment; to make stronger in influence, authority, or security of position; to make less liable to denial or contradiction, confirm. Cf. strengthen v. 3, 5.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > strengthening or confirmation of immaterial things > strengthen or confirm immaterial things [verb (transitive)]
strengha1175
strengthc1200
astrengthc1250
strength1340
confirmc1386
affirma1393
forcec1430
renforce?1473
corrobore1485
re-enforcec1485
reinforcec1485
stronga1500
consolidate?a1547
strengthen1546
sinewize1600
sinew1625
confortate1651
nervate1682
scaffolda1693
corroborate1698
substantiate1792
nerve1856
stouten1887
affirm1899
toughen1901
to put stuffing into1938
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 205 Þe greate metes..norisseþ lecherie, ase oyle oþer grese aliȝteþ and stengþeþ [read strengþeþ] þet uer.
c1350 Apocalypse St. John: A Version (Harl. 874) (1961) 99 (MED) Þe fende takeþ felauschipp of þe princes of þe werlde & wiþ hem he strengþes his bataile aȝeins holy chirche.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Prov. xx. 18 Thoȝtis bi counseilis ben strengthid.
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. xi. vii. 586 Ȝif rayne is euel and distemporat in his qualitees..it..excitiþ rewme and rennynge flux, and echiþ and strengþeþ alle moyste eueles.
?c1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (Paris) (1971) 558 (MED) When þai ben putte in litel quantite, þay strengþe nouȝt mykel þe medecyne.
a1475 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Godstow Nunnery (1905) i. 365 I-strengthed with the seales of bothe chapiters to more suerte.
a1475 in A. Clark Eng. Reg. Godstow Nunnery (1905) i. 104 And leste that the same Rauf or his heires shold rynne into harme thereof afterwarde by hym or by his heires, he strengthed þis writyng with his seale.
c1480 (a1400) St. John Evangelist 384 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 120 Þan mad he byschoppis ay-quhare, to strinth and vpehald goddis lare.
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende f. cccviii/1 They be sent for to strengthe in vs alle our perfection vnto the ende.
a1572 J. Knox Hist. Reformation Scotl. in Wks. (1846) I. 417 Saiff your persone by wisdome, strenth your selff against force, and the Almychtie God assist yow.
1610 J. Mason Turke G 2 Twas loue and state Gaue thee this time of life to strength my fate.
1614 J. Taylor Water-worke B 4 b Those Marchants..more to strength their power, ioynd with the Pope.
1648 Z. Boyd Psalms of David in Meeter with Prose interlined lii. sig. H10 This is the man that made not God his strength:..But trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthed himself in his wickednesse.
a1675 J. Lightfoot Wks. (1684) I. 831 Yet did he with these cruelties mingle some plausible actions tending to popularity.., that strengthing himself with these curtesies in the hearts of some men, he might with the more confidence be cruel to other.
1726 S. Wright Treat. Deceitfulness Sin iii. ii. 144 They are quite fall'n from the goodness and piety of their ancestors; neither attending and encouraging ministerial labours, nor assisting and strengthing them by their private admonitions and prayers.
1762 J. Churchill True Briton 15 He had surrounded the king with his creatures, enriched and strengthed himself by selling provinces to France.
?1799 W. Guirey Hist. Episcopacy ix. 23 Lest upon any change of affairs, attempts might be made to deprive him of them, he strengthed his title to these extraordinary honors.
1846 Lit. Emporium 3 79 The fame of the illustrious discoverer of a medicine, by which the whole human race is benefitted, will not be diminished; but, on the contrary, will be strengthed and rendered immortal.
1884 Calcutta Rev. 79 233 The regrettable result of strengthing the conviction of the landlords, that the aim of the proposed legislation fs simply to rob them ultimately of all their rights and privileges.
1950 Italica 27 177 Panzini's inclination for philosophical studies..was strengthed and broadened under the guidance of this teacher.
2008 Work & Pensions Comm.: Role of Health & Safety Comm.: 3rd Rep. II. 111/2 in Parl. Papers 2007–8 (H.C. 246-II) The way they suggested they would like to strength themselves..is that their safety representatives..would be there to promote health and well-being in the workplace.
b. transitive. To support by additional evidence, argument, etc.; to justify, confirm.
ΚΠ
?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (BL Add. 10340) (1868) v. pr. vi. l. 5098 Þis nis non oppinioun. but raþer a stedfast knowyng ystrengeþed [L. nixa] by soþenes. þat [etc.].
1429–30 Ayr Burgh Court Bks. 6 Mar. in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Strenth v. Gyfe he recowntyr the borch & strenthis it with hys resonis.
1562 N. Winȝet Certain Tractates (1888) I. 25 I strenthit not my purpose with ma sufficient ressonis and auctoriteis.
1684 R. Ferguson Enq. Murther Earl of Essex (1689) 30 Mr. Braddon was no sooner gone into the country to enquire into the truth of another Story which very much strengthed and confirmed the suspition and jealousie that my Lord was not Felo de se; but [etc.].
1762 T. Mortimer Brit. Plutarch IV. 118 The supposition is strengthed, by the consideration of poetry's being frequently the offspring of love and retirement.
1823 in Minutes Common Council City N.Y. 1784–1831 (1917) XII. 809 This opinion is greatly Strengthed by the information received from a number of the inspectors themselves.
1850 R. C. Trench Notes Parables (ed. 2) xxvii. 392 Altogether different from any of these interpretations is that first formally proposed..by Grotius, and which Venema has taken up and strengthed with additional arguments and illustrations.
1889 S. N. Patten Consumption of Wealth 37 This point of view has been further strengthed by the growth of that cosmopolitan feeling which would subordinate the nation and the locality to what they deem broader ends.
1900 Street Railway Suppl. Commerc. & Financial Chron. 24 Nov. 2/2 Further strengthing its argument, the committee refers to the fact that [etc.].
1986 M. Sornarajah Pursuit Nationalized Prop. i. 53 The case for the existence of such a duty is strengthed by the existence of the codes of conduct which specify standards of behaviour.
II. Other senses.
5. transitive. To force, compel. Obsolete.Quot. a1425 could alternatively be interpreted as showing an example of strengthen v., although this sense is not attested for that word and the inflected infinitive is not unusual in this text.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > obedience > compulsion > compel [verb (transitive)] > to do something
holdc1275
piltc1275
constraina1340
strength1340
distrainc1374
compelc1380
makec1395
distressa1400
stressa1400
art?1406
putc1450
coerce1475
cohert1475
enforce1509
perforce1509
forcec1540
violent?1551
press1600
necessitate1601
rack1602
restrain1621
reduce1622
oblige1632
necessiate1709
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 86 (MED) Ne alle þe dyeulen of helle ne moȝen mannes wyl strengþi to do one zenne wyþ-oute his wylle.
a1425 Medulla Gram. (Stonyhurst) f. 2 Adigo, to do forþermore or to strengþen [?c1460 BL Add. vlterius ago vel cogo].

Derivatives

strengthed adj.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > [adjective]
stithc1000
strongOE
fastenedOE
warneda1300
strengtheda1382
unpregnable1387
embattledc1400
enbanedc1400
warrayable14..
impregnable1430
inexpugnable1490
strengthy1513
bulwarkeda1533
unexpugnable1533
fortified1538
well-fortified1538
unwinnablec1540
forced1548
forted1566
unbatterable1576
fencible?1579
unforcible1611
impregnate1632
untakable1652
of (good) force1697
casemated1740
well-girt1756
embattled1765
strongish1821
unbreachable1866
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. xxxvi. 1 Alle the strengthid [L. munitas] cites of Juda.
1606 J. Marston Wonder of Women iii. ii. sig. E2v Beefore then Syphax ioine With new strength'd Carthage..Fall we like suddeine lightning fore his eyes.
1839 Baltimore Monument Mar. 237/2 'Twas balm to his soul, and he rose again With a strengthed spirit.
1845 W. H. Burleigh Tyranny of Intemperance 13 Our Bunker Hill Battle has already been fought, and with a strengthed gaze we can even now discern our Saratoga and our Yorktown!
1896 Electrician 6 Mar. 617/2 Each of these machines, coupled to a GGS Willans engine (i.e., a strengthed doubled G type), develops 400 amperes at 180 or 100 volts.
1993 Rangelands 15 285/1 The Secretary's original proposal embodied the strengthed Natural Resource Conservation unit.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2015; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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