| 释义 |
strengthn. 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. the world > action or operation > ability > [noun] > strong or powerful the mind > mental capacity > understanding > intelligence, cleverness > high intelligence, genius > [noun] > breadth, depth, strength of intellect OE (1931) 950 Him on laste beleac..wynna hihtfulne ham halig engel;..se weard hafað miht and strengðo. OE (Tiber.) (1994) 124 Þu eart geleafan trymnysse and ælcra snotra fruma and æghwylcre strengþo staþol. c1225 (?c1200) (Royal) (1981) 470 Þet tu mahe stihen to understonden in him godes muchele strencðe. c1390 (Vernon) (1967) 534 We beoþ on in one fulnesse, In miht, in strengþe, and in heiȝnesse. c1400 J. Wyclif (1871) III. 478 Þer wittes ben þinne, þer strynthe littel, þer tyme schort, to study and teche holy writte. a1450 (c1410) H. Lovelich xix. l. 218 (MED) To stryven Aȝens hire Baronye Sche ne hadde non strengthe. 1551 T. Wilson sig. Dj The natural strength, is an aptnes of nature, geuen either to the body, or to the mynd. 1560 Isa. xl. 31 They that waite vpon the Lord, shal renue their strength. 1562 in (Spalding Club) 5 Quhow God suld be lowit,..wirshipped allanerlie, with the haill man, saull, hart, mynd, mycht, and stryncht. 1597 W. Shakespeare iv. i. 72 If..Thou hast the strength or will to slay thy selfe. 1662 P. Gunning 51 As Nazianzen above attemperating his example to our strength. 1737 G. Lillo 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 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 xxii. 214 You could write us a piece to bring out the whole strength of the company. 1859 J. Martineau (1866) 1st Ser. 73 So far we think Mr. Mill's strength as great here as elsewhere. 1909 G. Stein 107 Now she was weakened in all her kinds of strength by her drinking. 1968 P. Lovesey 178 Our overall strength is evidenced by the number of British runners who appear in world ranking lists. 1992 P. M. Morley xviii. 275 We do not personally do all the work of ministry, but synergistically leverage our strengths with the strengths of our co-laborers. OE tr. Bede (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 (1917) 137 Ne tweonige nane mæn,..þæt hire Sune..hire gehulpe mid þære godcunden strængðe þe heo on him wyste. a1425 (a1400) (Galba & Harl.) (1863) 5898 Þe gudes of kynd er bodily strenthe,..And delyvernes and bewte of body. 1481 tr. Cicero (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 iii. sig. BBBiiiv The more perfetly the lyght of gostly strength shall shyne in vs. 1564 A. Golding tr. Justinus 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 190 A soule that might the seate of Vertues be, Of Iustice, Temperance, Prudence, Strength of mind, [etc.]. a1631 J. Donne (1958) IX. iv. 123 Come humbly to the reading and hearing of the Scriptures, and thou shalt have strength of understanding. a1677 I. Barrow (1678) ii. 49 Recreations..consisting meerly in rustical efforts, or in petty sleights of bodily strength and activity. 1700 E. Young iii. 26 Our Moral Strength lies not in our Soul. a1716 R. South (1717) VI. 259 He withholds that from thee, which he knows thy spiritual Strengths are not able to bear. 1724 No. 27. 118 The Military Strength of out neighbouring States was trifling, when compared with the formidable Army we maintain. 1738 J. Bancks I. 49 Thy Genius, bold, expressive, warm, In Strength of Character can show. 1759 S. Johnson I. viii. 50 Discovering in me great strength of memory, and quickness of apprehension. 1798 Bp. R. Watson 29 The physical strength of the bulk of a nation is irresistible, but it is incapable of self-direction. 1822 9/2 The firmness and strength of purpose, which the same letters exhibit, should be the theme of different and higher praise. 1832 6 487 The want of mental strength rendering them so peculiarly suasible, that they possess no powers of resistance. 1870 E. B. Foote 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 Aug. 2/1 New ideals of muscular strength and manly prowess. 1950 M. Bottrall iv. 95 Neither strength of intellect nor strength of will can make a man an artist. 2013 (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. the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > [noun] society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > athletics > [noun] > athlete > quality of OE Homily: Be rihtan Cristendome (Hatton 113) in A. S. Napier (1883) 147 Se hæfde Samsones strengðe, se wæs ealra eorðwarena strengest. a1225 (c1200) (1888) 93 Ðe lichame none strencþe ne mai habben wið-uten bonen. c1325 (c1300) (Calig.) 6136 (MED) Edmond vor is strengþe [c1425 Harl. strenge] was ycluped yrensyde. a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng (Harl.) 3047 Ȝyf þou for strenkþe be mysproute, And hast bostful wrdys and loude. c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 84 Of his stature he was of euene lengthe And wonderly delyuere and of greet strengthe. a1425 in C. Brown (1924) 211 (MED) Sampson lost his strengthe þer fore. c1450 MS Douce 52 in (1906) 54 (MED) Strenhgth mowes downe þe medow. ?1473 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre (1894) I. lf. 120v He put hem a backe by naturell strength and force many tymes. 1508 (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 i. f. 14 Some woorkes require strength more then skill. ?1592 i. iii. 5 Put Lambe-like mildenes to your Lyons strength. 1633 T. James 49 We heaued to the vttermost of our strengths. 1664 S. Butler ii. ii. 127 Quitting both their swords, and rains, They grasp'd with al their strength the manes. 1695 M. Micklethwait tr. 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 144 Getting one [block of wood] as big as I had Strength to stir, I rounded it. 1732 B. Robinson 101 A frequent Increase of this Force in Muscles much moved must of Necessity increase both their Magnitudes and Strengths. 1809 May 369 It was agreed to try their respective strengths in a pitched battle. 1832 D. Brewster x. 246 His feats were exhibitions of skill and not of strength. 1868 4 July 14/3 London rowed in very good form, but lacked strength and dash. 1888 F. Hume i. Prol. 16 You have strength, I have brains. 1920 2 July 323/1 A gorilla 4 feet 6 in height, has the strength of four strong men. 1970 Taban lo Liyong ii. 38 On a day intense with omens, the two brotherly bulls measured out their strengths. 2003 Jan. 152/2 Powerlifting stimulates the muscles in a manner that primarily builds strength. the world > health and disease > [noun] > good health the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > [noun] OE Ælfric (Cambr. Gg.3.28) v. 44 Swa swa se fulfremeda wæstm bið on fulre strencðe þeonde. OE 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) (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 (1887) 6 Þe strencþe him failede in is limes; is bodi bi-cam al cold. a1382 (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 (Vernon) (1867) A. viii. l. 83 Olde Men and hore þat helples beoþ of strengþe. c1480 (a1400) St. Clement 438 in W. M. Metcalfe (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 (1896) II. 132 Fevrys..þat trawalit hir hard & hat, & of strinthis mad hyr mat. 1490 W. Caxton tr. 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 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 sig. Kiij We go..to bedde..that our body may restore and renewe his strenghtes. 1600 W. Shakespeare (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 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 (ed. 2) 35 The full Dose is the whole Medicine, for Men and Women of strength. 1680 Bp. G. Burnet 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 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 (H.L. A) XII. 65 You may..assure Mrs. Brown that her son is recovering strength daily. 1776 32/2 He has not strength to undergo any examination, after the fatigue of bringing him to court. 1848 E. C. Gaskell I. xi. 203 Her sorrow exhausted her body by its power, and she seemed to have no strength left for crying. 1875 J. Rhoades 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 (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 viii. 228 We shall operate as soon as there is light enough, if his strength recovers a little in the night. 2011 H. Bonde 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). the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > [noun] > capacity for moral effort or endurance OE Ælfric (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 (1917) 97 Oft God cunneð mid his swinglen,..on hwylcre strængðe he aræfne þa costnunge, þe him on becumð. c1175 (Burchfield transcript) l. 5519 Þe feorþe ȝife off haliȝ gast Iss strenncþe ȝæn þe deofell. a1333 in C. Brown (1924) 21 Com, shuppere holy gost... Þer oure body is leoþe-wok ȝyf strengþe vrom aboue. c1390 (Vernon) (1967) 801 (MED) Foure vertues cardinals þer beoþ; Þat is, strengþe and sleihschupe, Rihtfulnesse and worschupe. ?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius (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 (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 (1881) 2nd Ser. 18 Swilk strenkith god sent to hir. 1567 (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 (1640) III He knowes not his own strength, that hath not met Adversity. 1668 J. Owen 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 19 A stranger to superior strength, Man vainly trusts his own. 1855 Ld. Tennyson 11 But ill for him who, bettering not with time, Corrupts the strength of heaven-descended Will. 1878 J. Payn (ed. 2) I. xix. 219 The judgment..has..fallen upon me. And, thank goodness, I have strength to bear it. 1922 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 (1981) xvii. 141 When the time came, would he have the strength? Was he capable of such an act? 2011 H. Andrews viii. 228 The characteristics..include a sense of fair play, loyalty and strength in adversity. c1225 (?c1200) (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 (1891) lviii. 10 (MED) Y shal kepe to þe myn strengþes, for God is my taker, my God. c1400 (Laud) 12 (MED) With his frut he fedde me þat my strenghþes fayle not in tribulacioun. c1460 (McClean) (1960) 30 (MED) He hathe yif me also a body with wittes, a soule with strengthes, [etc.]. 1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin 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 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. the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > violent behaviour > [noun] > violent treatment or force OE tr. (1958) i. 2 He..þa ongeanwinnendan fæmnan mid micelre strengðe earfoðlice ofercom. lOE (Laud) anno 1119 Sume þa castelas he mid strengðe genam. ?a1160 (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1137 He begæt in landes þat rice men hefden mid strengthe. a1200 MS Trin. Cambr. in R. Morris (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 (1868) 1st Ser. 169 (MED) Ne scal him na mon mene þer of strengþe ne of wronge. c1300 (?c1225) (Laud) (1901) 1084 Mody Myd strencþe hyre hadde And in to toure ladde. a1325 (c1250) (1968) l. 673 Nembrot nam wið strengðhe ðat lond, And helde ðe tur o babel in his hond. c1330 (Auch.) (1914) 621 Þo was þe douke wiþ strengþe y take, And brouȝt to þe conteise sone. a1400 (a1325) (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 (Rawl. B. 171) 54 Þai hade descomfitede him biforn-hand, and dryuen him out by strengþ. ?a1425 (c1400) (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 (1970) 100 Med is mad a demisma[n], Streyint betit þe [MS bet it ȝe] lau. 1464 in (1914) III. 187 To resist the malicieux porposes, might, and strayngth of your forsaid Irishe Enemyez. ?1548 sig. B6 O Mars Mauors With strength and force Reuenge..Thys tresspasse cruell. a1616 W. Shakespeare (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 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 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 143 Other creatures they overcome by strength, but men by stratagem. 2012 P. J. Davis tr. Ovid in B. K. Gold xvii. 454 She was overcome by strength, so we must believe: but she wanted to be overcome by strength. society > armed hostility > military power > [noun] OE Wulfstan (Nero) 253 Eac ic siges mihte & mægenstrengðe swa micle eow sylle þæt ge eow to gamene feonda afyllaþ. lOE (Laud) anno 1106 Ac seo streongðe & se sige wearð þæs cynges. a1225 (c1200) (1888) 27 Ac ne mai non senne ne non dieuel habben strengþe aȝean ðessere gode ileaue. a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris (1868) 1st Ser. 13 Ah ic eou ȝife siȝe and streinþe. c1275 (?c1250) (Calig.) (1935) 1713 Moniman mid speres orde Haueþ lutle strencþe & mid his chelde. a1393 J. Gower (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 (Egerton) (1889) 69 By cause of ȝour ill liffing..and noȝt of oure strenth Godd has giffen it intill oure handes. c1450 (?a1400) (Ashm.) l. 1013 We may noȝt stand now in stede oure strenth is [to] febill. 1474 W. Caxton tr. (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. 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 II. ccxi. 270 b They were desyrous to proue their strengthes agaynst the Christen men. 1592 T. Kyd i. sig. B3v Their fight was long,..Their strength alike, their strokes both dangerous. 1629 T. Hobbes tr. Thucydides ii. 86 Neither side conceiued small matters, but put their whole strength to the Warre. 1677 W. Hubbard 50 Yet could the Messenger hardly forbear threatning, vapouring of their numbers and strength. 1720 J. Burchett 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 (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 II. 265 Persia's strength is gone: the army lost: all ruined. 1918 D. Haig Diary 18 Mar. in (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 (1941) 297 We shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air. 2011 C. B. Robinson i. 29 The traditional [Alfred Thayer] Mahan means of establishing a global hierarchy—the size and strength of the country's navy. c1175 (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 (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 (Pierpont Morgan) (1882) v. l. 1490 Þe broþer daun Ethyocles, Ful wrongfully of Thebes held þe strenghþe. a1450–1500 ( (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 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 (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 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 (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 Pref. cxxii Let us..suppose this Sect grown to great Numbers, and Strength among us. 1747 H. Fielding 45 No Body which is eternally in a State of Fluctuation can acquire any political Strength. 1762 Apr. 208/1 They considerably diminish the naval and commercial strength of France. 1806 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 i. v. 207 Part of our strength in Europe was due to our reputation of desiring to keep the peace. 1954 V. L. Allen v. 63 The size of his union determines the status of his union and its strength. 2007 R. Jackson 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.the world > action or operation > advantage > efficacy > [noun] the world > matter > physics > energy or power of doing work > [noun] > degree of the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > [noun] > quality of being strong OE tr. Pseudo-Apuleius (Vitell.) (1984) xx. 66 Wið attres strenðe [L. ad vim veneni] genim þas wyrte aristolochiam. c1175 (Burchfield transcript) l. 4979 Þiss mahhte tredeþþ unnderr fot, All modiȝnessess strenncþe. c1225 (?c1200) (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) (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 (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 (Egerton) (1889) 125 My worde sall be of als grete strenth, and als scharpe and scherand, as my swerde. a1500 (a1450) (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 Pref. sig. A vv There is no poyson, to the poyson of a Serpente, no strength, to the strength of Gunpouder. 1600 W. Shakespeare iii. ii. 251 Thy threats haue no more strength then her weake praise. View more context for this quotation a1616 W. Shakespeare (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 I. xii. 205 And by the force and strength of the Wedge the whole Drill-bench is drawn down. 1733 A. Pope ii. 57 Most Strength the moving Principle requires, Active its Task, it prompts, impels, inspires. 1781 W. Cowper 4 When a bar of pure silver..is..roll'd In an engine of utmost mechanical strength. 1817 P. B. Shelley iv. xviii. 84 Great is the strength Of words. 1882 G. M. Minchin vi. 167 The time rate of supply of liquid through the source is called the strength of the source. 1945 C. E. Balleisen 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 i. i. 34 The idea gained strength of the need to improve the population's moral fibre. the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [noun] the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > [noun] > vigour or intensity of action > force or intensity of operation or effect OE Wærferð tr. Gregory (Corpus Cambr.) (1900) i. vi. 48 Se mettruma man sæt ongæn þam fyre & mid his gebedum þæs fyres mægen & strengðe todwæscte. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon (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 (1872) 51 He schef hit myd strenkþe þat to his heorte hit com. a1325 (c1250) (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 (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xix. liii. 1317 Liquour..is ywronge and yþrust oute of medlede bodies by violence or by strengþe. a1425 (a1400) (Galba & Harl.) (1863) 3106 (MED) Þe fire here, of strenthe es les Þan þe fire of purgatory es. c1450 in F. J. Furnivall (1867) 120 (MED) The see woll ryse..Thorowe the strength off þe wynd Into the Welken hitt schall slynge. c1450 (1904) I. 96 With strenthe of hur lowpyng þe bote drownyd. ?1500 Robert the Deuyll 334 in W. C. Hazlitt (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 sig. G2v I saw a brandisht fire encrease in strength. a1617 S. Hieron Penance for Sinne in (1620) II. 359 Like some bulrush that is ouer~bent with the strength and violence of a storme. 1681 N. Grew iv. i. 358 The Weather-Cock hath Two [Regesters]; one for the Points, the other for the Strength of the Wind. 1705 H. Blackwell (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 6 He entred in, and the Strength of Water carried him and his Horse beneath the Foord. 1764 III. xlix. 452 The quickness and strength of the pulse are plain indications of this doctrine. 1809 W. Nicholson VI. at Tornado The tornado..constantly declined in strength till it entirely ceased. 1873 J. C. Maxwell II. vii. 206 It is a homogeneous function of the second degree with respect to the strengths of the [electric] currents. 1914 132 Simultaneous observations of..the strength of the time-signals..and the average strength and frequency of strays. 1932 44 302 The physical syndrome always consisted of a muscular tremor..and an increase in the strength of the heart beat. 1975 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 vii. 168 Underestimating the strength of the current, they wrap their canoes around rocks. the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > [noun] > intoxicating element in drink 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 a1325 Diuersa Cibaria in C. B. Hieatt & S. Butler (1985) 45 (MED) Þer schal gret vlehs beon igrounden, & sucre for ta baten þe streynþe of þe specerie. c1405 (c1390) G. Chaucer (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 (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 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 f. 20v I speake of choyse wynes, which get strength with age. 1653 T. Brugis (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 127 T'allay the Strength and Hardness of the Wine. View more context for this quotation 1739 30 And in Proportion to the Closeness or Strength of the Phlegm, the Strength of the Agents within it are increased. 1790 c. 37 §2 Spirits of any greater or higher Degree of Strength than that of One in Six under Hydrometer Proof. 1843 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 17 Dec. 291/2 It is of the highest importance to him that he should know the exact strength of his chemicals. 1904 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 xvi. 238 The weight of iodine set free is proportional to the strength of the chlorine in the bleaching solution. 2007 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. ?c1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac (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 (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 This kynde of indicacion, which..is taken of ye myghtynes & strength of the dysease. 1583 P. Barrough iv. v. 181 When the vigour & strength of the sicknesse is at hand, you may safely minister pure cold water. 1610 G. Markham 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 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 xix. 171 The quantity of blood to be taken away, should always be determined by the strength of the fever. 1830 Sept. 291 Modifying the strength of the remedy according to the strength of the malady. 1884 12 July 913/1 The congregation of the partially-infected, triples the strength of the infection. 1918 27 Nov. 1/5 The strength of the disease [sc. influenza] seems to be abating. 1987 A. W. Bowman & D. R. Robinson (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 11 May 2/4 Data on the spread and strength of the illness [sc. swine flu] is still incomplete. the mind > language > linguistics > study of speech sound > speech sound > [noun] > qualities of speech sounds 1550 W. Salesbury 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 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 i. 3 A sometimes is pronounced with more strength; as, Andare, to go; and sometimes softer; as, Amore, love. 1772 J.-N. de Sauseuil ii. 42 The elastic power of each [speech] organ..produces various kinds of articulations, of various degrees of strength. 1827 U. Price 5 Give length to re, and strength to gain, and re will clearly be the accented syllable. 1862 U. J. Bourke (ed. 2) 148 The letter g..receives such phonetic strength, that the sound of d is lost, or combines with that of g. 1979 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 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. the world > matter > colour > quality of colour > [noun] > saturation > intensity 1578 H. Lyte tr. R. Dodoens 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 xvii. 72 The body and strength of the Colour is worn out by the continual assaults of wasting time. a1719 J. Addison (1734) 36 Thus has Time mellowed the Works of Antiquity, by qualifying..the Strength and Rawness of their Colours. 1756 C. Smith 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 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 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 (ed. 2) 49 One peculiarity of the Potosi is that, unlike most other cigars, they do not vary much in strength of flavour. 1934 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 91 Little ponds..gurgle and rumble, the strength of the sound ranging from a whisper or a moan to a shriek. 1998 B. Kwakye 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. the world > the earth > structure of the earth > constituent materials > earth or soil > soil qualities > [noun] > firmness 1580 T. Tusser (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 42 Ploughs..must be great or small according to the depth and strength of the Soil you Plow. 1794 C. Vancouver 73 Westwardly of this, the soil again improves in strength, and staple. 1892 3 Sept. 289/1 Half a hundred acres of thistly land, from which savour and strength had long departed. 1905 S. T. Maynard 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 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 (ed. 3) xix. 269 The optimum moisture content was greater for a strong soil than for one of intermediate strength. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > card or cards > [noun] > strength of hand or suit 1589 ‘Marphoreus’ 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 14 Then he discards two, three, or more Cards according to the Strength of his Game. 1742 E. Hoyle x. 52 By putting on the Queen, it shews your Adversary that you have no Strength in that Suit. 1829 E. M. Arnaud 69 If he throw away a court-card he must have great strength in trumps. 1862 ‘Cavendish’ (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’ 32 The test of very many doubtful No Trumpers lies in the strength or weakness of the Spades. 1942 Feb. 36/2 By this maneuver your partner knows you have strength in spades and practically nothing else. 2004 P. Gordon & J. Grotenstein 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. society > trade and finance > monetary value > price > fluctuation in price > steadiness in price > [noun] 1759 N. Tindal 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 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 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 May 839 If the currency have little strength, that is, a small specie basis, it must break down. 1891 15 Apr. 2/7 No strength is yet felt in the market for home trade yarns. 1912 20 Sept. 8/7 Prices showed some degree of strength at the opening. 1960 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 11 Sept. iii. 6/5 Traders' faith in that outcome may account for the strength in stocks. society > communication > telecommunication > [noun] > signal > strength of 1917 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 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 i. 6 ‘I've got them, but they're only hearing me strength two.’.. ‘How do you hear them?’ ‘Strength five.’ 2003 13 Oct. r6/3 The signals lose strength over distance when sent out over power lines. the world > action or operation > ability > [noun] > an ability or power OE tr. Pseudo-Apuleius (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 (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. ix. xxii. 537 Vertue and strengþe of witte and of felinge beþ comfortid in þe dawinge. a1400 (a1325) (Vesp.) l. 21757 Þe saul it es strenthes [Gött. of strinthes] thrin, þat taken o cros þai ber wit-in. c1460 (McClean) (1960) 37 (MED) Charite is a strengthe of þe soule to loue god for himself. a1500 (?a1450) (BL Add. 9066) (1879) 427 Therfore I am holdyn to serue hym with all my strengthes And membres. a1500 (?a1425) tr. (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 (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 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 iii. f. ccclx Instrument of willyng is thilke strength of the soule, whiche yt constrayneth to wylne. 1597 P. Lowe 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.the world > matter > constitution of matter > strength > [noun] OE Wærferð tr. Gregory (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 (1917) 136 For he is Hælend & na awerdend; þa awerde þing he gehælð, and þa gehale he gefæstneð on strencðe. a1375 (c1350) (1867) l. 1072 (MED) No strengþe him wiþ-stod of sad stonen walles. c1450 (c1380) G. Chaucer (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 (1888) I. 37 Quhat strenth had his armour of defence thair. 1565 W. Allen ii. iii. f. 145v Well by the strengthe of this pillare we haue chalenged and saued hetherto..the scripture of God. 1569 B. Googe 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 sig. Ciiiv Who can expresse the hardnesse of the stones? or the fyrmnesse of Mettals? the strength of Okes? 1662 E. Stillingfleet i. i. §20 If Procopius his pillar hath strength enough to bear such a conjecture. 1667 J. Milton 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 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 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 XV. 48/2 The strength of materials in resisting the strains to which they are subject. 1842 J. Gwilt 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 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 I. iii. 690 A retaining wall adjoining a railroad track needs special strength to support the weight of locomotives and trains. 1962 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 (2005) xxix. 250 All we druids have done is give the oak's strength to our warriors and remind them of ancient ways. society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > [noun] > strength of fortification c1480 (a1400) St. George 67 in W. M. Metcalfe (1896) II. 178 He entre mycht nocht, for gret strinth & hicht of wal & gret ȝemesel of ȝettis al. 1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart 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 i. viii. 9 Enquiring of him what strength the tower might be of. a1616 W. Shakespeare (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 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 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 (ed. 2) ii. 67 The Enemy..made little impression on the Besieg'd by reason of the strength of the Walls. 1794 A. Radcliffe III. vi. 156 ‘But they know not,’ thought she, ‘its [sc. a castle's] strength, or the armed numbers within it.’ 1820 W. Scott III. x. 263 He questioned him..concerning the Baron of Avenel's probable forces—the strength of his castle [etc.]. 1843 G. Borrow II. xvi. 351 Llanes is an old town, formerly of considerable strength. 1886 U. S. Grant 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 3 165 By the choice of this position the strength of the north and south walls is not a little assisted. 1961 24 383 The military strength of the place lies in the ramparts and moats. 2010 tr. B. Lemay 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. the mind > emotion > intense emotion > [noun] > intensity or depth the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [noun] > outstandingness or prominence > types of > specific OE Ælfric (Royal) (1997) xxvi. 390 Drihten cwæð to petre, ‘þu eart stænen’; for þære strencþe his geleafan..he underfeng þone naman. OE Wærferð tr. Gregory (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 (Calig.) (1963) l. 7294 (MED) Ah hatien we wulleð mid hæhȝere strengðe. a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) i. l. 787 (MED) Yet he was noght of such myht The strengthe of love to withstonde. a1425 (a1400) (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 xxviii. sig. Liij Faith..receyueth increasement & more strength thorow pacience. 1598 W. Shakespeare 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 v. i. 198 If you did know..you would abate the strength of your displeasure. View more context for this quotation 1676 W. Allen 153 This diffidence proceeds..from the rootedness and strength of your prejudice. 1748 G. Tennent 26 Our Lord's Abasure and Sufferings, by which he express'd the Strength of his Love to us! 1782 W. Cowper Conversation in 216 Opposition gives opinion strength. 1840 N. Hawthorne 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 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 x. 259 It was only when they entered the jail that the strength of his rage came to him. 1962 15 716 The strength of his denial did not change the policy of his publications. 2008 17 Mar. 36 Such was the strength of his conviction..that no one doubted him for a moment. the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > [noun] > strength of evidence the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > process of reasoning, ratiocination > argument, source of conviction > [noun] > strength of argument ?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius (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 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 iv. iv. 176 The force and strength of their arguments is elided. a1616 W. Shakespeare (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 (2001) V. 15 I have gott a collection very considerable, for plainess & strength of evidence. 1725 I. Watts iv. ii. 522 Afterwards mention the Objections distinctly in their full Strength, and give a distinct Answer to them. 1814 T. Chalmers ii. 65 Consider the strength even of heathen testimony to the facts of the gospel history. 1818 H. Hallam II. viii. 237 In this consists..the sole strength of the opposite argument. 1895 99 544/1 The litigant should as speedily as can be learn something of the strength of his opponent's case. 1954 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 (Nexis) 8 Jan. 3 He admitted perverting the course of justice only when the strength of evidence against him became clear. society > leisure > the arts > the arts in general > [noun] > work of art > qualities generally 1608 R. Tofte tr. L. Ariosto 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 i. 145 Being able, and readie, by speciall demonstration, and strength of discourse, to explicate the same..to euerie one. 1688 G. Miege 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 314 He had indeed an admirable Colouring, and great strength in all his Works. 1711 A. Pope 22 And praise the Easie Vigor of a Line, Where Denham's Strength, and Waller's Sweetness join. 1713 H. Felton 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 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 (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 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 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 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 (new ed.) Pref. p. x Luther's hymns..are always full of fire and strength. 1906 15 Nov. 519/2 The pictures are notable for a proper mingling of strength and delicacy. 1964 J. B. Steane (1970) ii. iii. 110 The strength of expression lies in the verb, ‘rattle foorth’. 2010 S. L. Schweizer iv. 131 To many timpanists, individually playing each note adds drama and strength to this figure. society > authority > [noun] society > law > rule of law > [noun] > validity or legal force society > law > legal power > [noun] OE Royal Charter: Æðelred II to Christ Church, Canterbury (Sawyer 914) in N. P. Brooks & S. E. Kelly (2013) 1024 Ic Ælfheah Wincestriscera manna bisceop þises foresædan cinges bocunge be minre strengðe gefæstnige. 1414 Petition in (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 (Electronic ed.) Parl. Oct. 1423 §53. m. 30 That this ordynaunce stretche and bere strenketh also wel wyth in Chesshire. c1425 J. Lydgate (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 (1882) 122 Annuites..wiche he will that thei stande yn their strenketh. 1448 in R. Willis & J. W. Clark (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 (Electronic ed.) Parl. Nov. 1449 §53. m. 10 That oure graunt..[be] not prejudiced nor hurt, but stande in his strenght. 1480 (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 (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 (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 (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 2/2 This rule..whiche shal remaine of strength vnto the worldes end. 1609 W. Shakespeare 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 (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 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 74 They will persevere in making the strength of the law..keep pace with the growth of sedition and rebellion. 1831 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 xiv. 283 Rome guaranteed the strength of the treaty by her signature. 2007 R. A. Cichowski 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. the world > matter > chemistry > physical chemistry > solutions > [noun] > concentration 1665 R. Boyle 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 II. 305 Mr. Geoffroy took the opportunity of exposing to the frost several Vinegars of different strengths. 1852 C. Tomlinson (1854) II. 131/2 A mixture of lime and water of 3 or 4 different strengths. 1897 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 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 viii. 169 After extraction the blocks of tissue are carried rapidly through descending strengths of alcohol to water. 1996 96 65/2 MS Contin tablets are smaller and each strength is a different color. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > billiards, pool, or snooker > [noun] > actions or types of play > force of stroke 1775 J. Beaufort 186 This game [sc. the losing game] depends greatly upon particular strengths. 1849 E. R. Mardon (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. (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 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 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 iii. 47 Each of the four shots is played with the same strength. 2009 M. Goodwill & R. Morgan 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. the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > strengthening > [noun] > one who or that which the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > strengthening or confirmation of immaterial things > [noun] > a source or means of the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > [noun] > capacity for moral effort or endurance OE (1992) xxi. 351 Dryhten ælmihtig..is ure gefea & he ys ure strengð & he ys ure frofer. OE (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 (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 (1891) xxx. 4 (MED) For þou art my strengþe and my refut. c1390 in C. Horstmann (1892) i. 60 Heil vr Ioye of worþinesse, And vr strengþe þerto. a1400 (a1325) (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 (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 60 For alle his strengthes in his herys were. a1500 (c1340) R. Rolle (Univ. Oxf. 64) (1884) xxx. §4. 106 Ffor my strenght and my fleynge ert thou. 1615 E. Sharpe 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 (rev. ed.) ii. 220 Both of them are wonderfull strengths, eases, and riches to his Countrey. 1630 M. Godwin tr. F. Godwin i. 21 Our chiefe strength were our Archers. 1667 J. Milton 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 39 What they boaded would be a mischief to us; you are providing shall be one of our principal strengths. 1738 J. Wesley (new ed.) li. vii And all my Powers shall join to bless The Lord, my Strength and Righteousness. 1772 J. G. King 190 The west..is the place of darkness, and satan is darkness, and his strength is in darkness. 1802 C. Simeon II. ii. dxxvii. 494 (heading) The joy of the Lord is our strength. 1855 W. H. Prescott I. i. v. 167 The strength of his army lay in his Spanish veterans. 1907 J. London 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 119 You laugh a great deal at those who find their strength in Christ. 2006 R. G. Brown (2007) xv. 177 When I was weak she was my strength. 10. Military. society > armed hostility > armed forces > [noun] ?a1160 (Laud) (Peterborough contin.) anno 1140 Þa hi þærinne wæren, þa com þe kinges cuen m[id a]l hire strengthe & besæt heom. c1175 (Burchfield transcript) l. 7156 He wennde þatt tatt follc. Vpp onn himm cumenn wære. Wiþþ strenncþe forr to niþþrenn himm. c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon (Calig.) (1963) l. 206 (MED) Assaracus..hefde muchele strengþe of meren his cunne, of þan Troyscen monnen þe weren his moder isib. c1325 (c1300) (Calig.) 8793 So þat a Misselmasse eue, mid hor ost hii come To gadere mid gret strengþe, & þe bataile nome. c1450 (c1425) (Cambr. Kk.1.12) 351 The King..made hym redy with his streynthe, and rode yn-to Essex. 1462 R. Calle in (2004) II. 369 And yet..he wolde send me vp with strengthe of men as a presoner. ?1482 J. Kay tr. G. Caoursin (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 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 f. cxxxvijv [He] fortifieth it with workes and strength of men [L. opere praesidioque munit]. 1644 J. Vicars 163 In expectation of some more strength either from Glocester-shire, or else from the Lord Generall. 1649 W. Davenant 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 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 (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 (new ed.) I. x. 308 The Athenians had fitted out their whole strength, consisting of an hundred and fifty sail. 1842 A. Alison X. lxxv. 403 His strength was unequal to hurtling against the immense masses. 1895 D. Belasco ii. 202 General Hooker is massing all his strength to the right. 1921 J. Buchan 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 ii. vi. 75 He immediately set about reviving the Schlieffen Plan..by amassing strength on the right flank to attack the Allies' left. society > armed hostility > warriors collectively > [noun] 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 a1382 (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 (Cambr. Gg.4.12) (1983) 147 (MED) Þere mette þei a grete strength comyng fro þe north ageyn hem. a1500 in C. L. Kingsford (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 ii. lxiv. sig. L vjv Wherfore we must all wayes fyght wyth fresshe men, newe strengthes, and plentye of vytayles. 1565 T. Cooper Decurias hominum inducere, to bryng in a strength of men. 1599 J. Hayward 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 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 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 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 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 II. i. vi. 141 Ill conduct in money matters of itself is sufficient to raise a strength against them in power. 1828 J. Baillie i. i. 6 In this sad plight, our chief with Samarkoon..And a good strength of spearmen, met them. 1843 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 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 433 In these two places a strength of men was needed. 1968 M. Palmer 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. society > armed hostility > armed forces > [noun] > number of personnel in society > armed hostility > hostilities at sea > navy > a naval force or fleet > [noun] > number of ships in 1589 A. Barlowe in R. Hakluyt 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 f. 20 Their fleet ariued safe at home, being increased both in number of ships, and strength of men. c1610 Let. in (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 (1623) iv. iii. 163 Demaund of him of what strength they are a foot. View more context for this quotation 1691 J. Evelyn (1955) V. 72 The Relation he gave of the strength of the Fr: King..was very wide from what we fancied. 1711 J. Swift 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 31 July (1965) I. 424 His strength at Sea [is] now very small. 1802 C. James (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 8 Aug. 130 Strength of the Garrison. Two captains, [etc.]... Total 127. 1849 T. B. Macaulay I. v. 580 Orders were given that the strength of every company of infantry and of every troop of cavalry should be increased. 1859 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’ 26 But outside the fighting strength of the regiment Colonel de Crespigny was not liked. 1919 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 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 vii. 266 Westmoreland reinforced this contingent, bringing it up to more than division strength. 2008 M. Hastings (2009) xi. 266 Only 1.6 percent of the U.S. Navy's wartime strength—16,000 men—served in its submarines. 11. society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > fort or fortified town > [noun] ?c1225 (?a1200) (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 197 Ach þis hechȝe sacrament..unwrið hise wrenches & brekeð hise strencðes. a1382 (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 (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 449 Codrus..entrede in to þe strengþe of his enemyes [L. castra hostium ingreditur]. a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) vi. l. 1595 Ther let he make of lym and sond A strengthe where he wolde duelle. c1400 (?a1387) W. Langland (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 (Lamb.) (1887) i. 7142 Alle þe strengþes he gan to sese..he had alle þys forceresses. c1450 (c1425) (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 (St. John's Cambr.) v. 469 Thai held the strynthis [1489 Adv. strenthis] of the land. 1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil vi. xiii. 42 Sum in the hillis hie sall set wp syne The strenthis and the castellis Collatyne. 1542 in J. B. Paul (1908) VIII. 109 Utheris to kepe thair housis and strengthis un the bordouris. 1569 R. Grafton II. 118 He toke money..and yeelded vp his Castelles and strengthes which he helde. 1598 R. Barret v. 121 The Generall of the Artillerie is to prouide for all the forts and strengths of the realme. 1643 King Charles I 20 If any Prince seize upon any strength that belongs to His stronger Neighbour. 1661 J. Davies cviii. 370 To lay down their Arms, and surrender Chester and other strengths. 1667 J. Milton vii. 141 This inaccessible high strength, the seat Of Deitie supream. View more context for this quotation 1748 T. Smollett I. xxxiii. 289 (heading) Our sailors at the same time become masters of all the other strengths near Bocca Chica. 1807 G. Chalmers I. i. ii. 91 There was once a subterraneous communication, between these two British strengths, on Barry-hill. 1816 W. Scott 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 VI. lxi. 134 King James was to be taken to that lonely strength. 1908 D. Mitchell 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 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 38 Here it was seldom natural scenery that drew appraisal but things more immediately useful, fortified strengths, port facilities, trade and business prospects. society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > [noun] a1382 (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. xxxiii. 16 The strengthys of huge stones his heȝte [L. munimenta saxorum sublimitas ejus]. c1400 (c1378) W. Langland (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) 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 (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 (1847) I Monsieur St. Dennys..had made some lytle strengthes with casting of earth and laying of faggots. 1610 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 (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 (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 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 58 The varied face of a country full of mountains, ravines, passes, and other natural strengths. 1846 I. 100/1 He..raised breastworks, redoubts, and other strengths in the bridge's vicinity. 1912 in D. Ferguson (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 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. the world > action or operation > safety > [noun] > safety or security > that which gives security society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > wrestling > [noun] > strong position c1425 Edward, Duke of York (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 (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 (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) (1976) l. 497 (MED) All þat were left onslayne Fledd vnto þer strenkyþ agayne. a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in (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 (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 (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 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 25 Stand straight and wide, but not out of your strength with your toe out. 12. the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > meaning of linguistic unit > drift, tenor, purport > [noun] c1390 (c1350) Proprium Sanctorum in (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 at Strength(e This es the strenketh of our godspelle. a1413 (c1385) G. Chaucer (Pierpont Morgan) (1881) ii. l. 260 Þe ende is of euery tales strengþe. a1425 (a1382) (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 (Electronic ed.) Parl. Feb. 1447 §14. m. 4 That it be doone after the strengthe, fourme and effect of this peticion. a1500 (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 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 (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 vii. 228 And now he sums up in one pathetic Exhortation, the strength and design of the Gospel, and of all Religion. the mind > language > linguistics > study of speech sound > speech sound > [noun] > of a letter, word, etc. 1602 J. Willis sig. B5 In these wordes, H, hath the strength of a thicke Aspiration, as if they [sc. Ah, Oh] were thus written, Agh, Ogh. the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > [noun] > essential meaning 1862 H. W. Wilkinson in 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 3 Mar. 32/3 ‘What do you mean?’..‘I'll just give you the strength of the case.’ 1926 K. S. Prichard xv. 136 Now..I'll just give you the strength of Red Burke... They say there never was a good Burke. 1958 F. Norman i. 10 The strength was that he'd got nicked for ponceing off his old woman. 1974 J. Cleary 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 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 ix. 301 Well, what makes you think—I mean, what's the strength? the world > action or operation > advantage > [noun] > an advantage, benefit, or favourable circumstance the world > action or operation > ability > [noun] > ability or talent > that for which one has special ability c1440 S. Scrope tr. C. de Pisan (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 (1590) i. sig. N4v Know your strengths, and then you shall do well. 1631 B. Jonson Divell is Asse i. i. 24 in II Foolish feind, Stay i' your place, know your owne strengths, and put not Beyond the spheare of your actiuity. 1672 T. Comber 80 Sin..defaceth its beauty, dismantles its strengths and brings down its highest and noblest faculties. 1743 (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 (new ed.) VI. vi. iv. 179 They..made him acquainted with the weaknesses and the strengths of their country. 1850 H. James ii. 68 My true property in nature includes all her strengths and sweetnesses. 1894 H. P. Liddon et al. I. i. 32 His strength lay in accurate verbal scholarship rather than in philosophy. 1919 ‘A. Pryde’ (1920) viii. 123 Miss Browne had courage enough..for any passive part; her strength was to sit still. 1957 I. Asimov (1960) xviii. 195 Their strengths were their robots, their low population, their long lives, but what were their weaknesses? 2000 K. Charles (2001) xxii. 445 His vocabulary, never his greatest strength, failed him. 14. The physically strongest part. ?1527 ii. xiii. 42 b Ilica passio... Ile is the pyth and the strenth of a thyng. 1585 J. Higgins tr. Junius 143/1 Pulpa,..the hart, or strength of timber. 1639 (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 I. ii. 427 Then studious she prepares the choicest flour, The strength of wheat, and wines, an ample store. 1799 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. the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > current > [noun] > main part 1544 A. Cope 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 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 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 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 258 Keeping generally in the strength of the current, which..carried us down with great velocity. 1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Strength of the tide, where it runs strongest, which in serpentine courses will be found in the hollow curves. 1900 J. Conrad xxxiv. 305 Tamb' Itam..stared right down the river, attentive to keep the long canoe in the greatest strength of the current. 1921 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 34 The Caucasus itself, highest of mountains, where the river's strength bursts from the upper slopes. society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > fencing > [noun] > foil > part of 1702 H. Blackwell iv. 10 You must engage your Adversary with the Strength of your Foile on the Feeble of his. 1711 Z. Wylde 5 From the Shell to the middle, I call the Fort or Strength of the Weapon. 1780 J. McArthur 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. the world > relative properties > quantity > sufficient quantity, amount, or degree > [noun] 1593 G. Markham 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 2 His Worships Altar's Crown'd with Glorious strength Of Massie Plate. 1717 Visct. Bolingbroke (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 ii. ii. 128 Without the help of their crews he had no longer strength enough to navigate the ship. 1762 A. Dickson 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 (1789) 62 Half a dozen gentlemen, furnished with a good strength of water-spaniels. 1834 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 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 (ed. 2) Strenth o' men and pitchforks, power, influence. 1951 P. G. Wodehouse Let. 11 Oct. in (1990) 180 The day Ethel arrived a stray dog turned up..and firmly added himself to the strength. 1962 26 Apr. 7 The city now has 51 dogs and is seeking a full strength of 100 trained dogs in about two years. 1972 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 xviii. 211 A rousing performance of Mahler 6 with a massive string strength and 137 players in all. society > authority > power > [noun] > powerful person or body 1711 in B. C. Brown (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 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 (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 (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 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. the world > food and drink > farming > [noun] > farm-stock 1594 in C. Innes (1855) 268 Off strenthe siluer [£20]. 1688 in D. C. MacTavish (1939) 84 Of strength horse tuentie tuo and fourtie four pounds. 1688 in D. C. MacTavish (1939) 84 There lyes in this rowm of strength corne fourtie eight bolls. the mind > possession > possessions > [noun] > public or national property 1662 W. Petty 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 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 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 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 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 45 331 Reducing the amount of the country's strength spent on intoxicating liquors. 1922 A. Nevins ii. 43 It..emptied the national treasury and depleted the strength of the nation. 1968 L. B. Johnson in (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 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. the world > action or operation > easiness > find no difficulty in [verb (transitive)] the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > [noun] > feat of strength c1225 (?c1200) (Bodl.) (1940) l. 156 (MED) Ant þah hare meiðhad beo ed ure [read ediure] nuðe, þin is þe mare strengðe to halden. c1330 (?a1300) (Auch.) (1973) l. 5177 (MED) Þe Sarrazin..sir Wawain..asailed strong..Him to nim þai deden strengþe. a1425 (Stonyhurst) f. 44 Nisus, strengþe. 1487 (a1380) J. Barbour (St. John's Cambr.) xvi. 646 Thar did ane ynglis man, perfay, A weill gret strynth, as I herd say. the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > strengthening or confirmation of immaterial things > [noun] the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > [noun] > confirmation, corroboration c1400 (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 (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 (1905) i. 95 (MED) Into witnesse and strengthe of all thyngis he made his seale. a1500 (?a1390) J. Mirk (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 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 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 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. the world > action or operation > easiness > find no difficulty in [verb (transitive)] ?c1225 (?a1200) (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 (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 (1904) 82 (MED) Þou doist no streinþ of god is hest; Of deþ whi neltov þenche? a1375 (c1350) (1867) l. 2347 (MED) Þouhȝ þei murþer me þanne, i no make no strengþe. the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > be of no importance [phrase] 1340 (1866) 51 And yef he him damnede be him zelue: þer-of no strengþe. P2. In positive phrases. the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > instrumentality > by the instrumentality of [phrase] 1340 (1866) 126 (MED) He cliuen in to þe helle of perfeccion of liue be strengþe be hire oȝene uirtue. c1405 (c1375) G. Chaucer (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 (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) (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 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 ii. xi. 46 With strength of rowing we coasted along. 1598 W. Phillip tr. 27 They entered into their boate, and by strength of oares rowed from vs. 1614 W. Raleigh 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 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 Feb. 93/2 How will my Fox alone, by strength of parts, Shake the loud Senate. 1834 J. Blackie tr. J. W. von Goethe 7 He courts a crowd, the surer to control By strength of art the sympathetic whole. 1907 Jan. 29 That long since mourner By strength of her past pain, Claims motherhood in honor. 1996 R. Patai vi. 63 A document written by Jews had legal force in proceedings against them..merely by strength of their signature. a1382 (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 i. sig. A.viiiv (margin) No man is stronge in his owne strengthe. 1552 Abp. J. Hamilton Tabil sig. *.iv Of hoip in our awin strenth. 1677 R. Gilpin i. xviii. 150 The like spoil of Duty is made, when we adventure upon it, in our own strength. 1705 M. Henry 39 Peter resolved against a Tongue-Sin in his own strength. 1801 Dec. 459 I was seeking in my own strength, and actuated wholly by selfish views. 1869 H. B. Stowe 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 1 Oct. 146/1 Too long now we have tried to cope with our social ills in our own strength. 2006 I. M. Duguid xiv. 141 In my own strength I am unable to write a sermon that will break the stony hearts of unbelievers. the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > violent behaviour > behave violently or use force [verb (intransitive)] a1393 J. Gower (Fairf.) ii. l. 2413 That thing mai I noght fulfille, Bot if I scholde strengthe make. 1611 J. Speed vii. ii. 308/1 Ludecan..therefore the yeere following made strength (sufficient to their seeming) to meet these their enemies. 1876 Ld. Tennyson 128 Draw thou to London, there make strength to breast Whatever chance, but leave this day to me. the world > food and drink > hunting > [adverb] > by way of regular chase a1425 Edward, Duke of York (Digby) xxv. 89 Whan þe kynge..will hunte for þe herte with strength, þe maister of þe game moste haue [etc.]. a1450 ( G. Chaucer (Tanner 346) (1871) l. 351 Al men spake of hontyng hou þei would sle þe hert wiþ strengthe. c1450 (Mellon) (1977) 50 (MED) Yf the houndez be hardy and take þe hert by strengþe, þe hunter schall haue þe suyde by ryȝt. 1535 Psalms lxxxiv. 7 They go from strength to strength. 1585 Abp. E. Sandys xii. 204 Walke therefore, goe on from strength to strength, from vertue to vertue. 1620 R. Newton 56 And euery day [true faith] growes from strength to strength, better'd in knowledge,..better'd in obedience. 1681 J. Flavell xxv. 438 The new creature is a thriving creature, growing from strength to strength. 1746 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 II. xxiv. 468 Mounting from strength to strength, from highth, to a higher highth! a1879 F. R. Havergal (1884) II. xi. 223 Now, onward, ever onward, from ‘strength to strength’ we go. 1936 H. Temperley i. 15 His reign had begun in weakness but was proceeding from strength to strength. 1972 ‘C. Fremlin’ ii. 17 Julian went from strength to strength. House-Surgeon, Registrar, Senior Registrar. 2004 16 Aug. 6/1 British ‘granny chic’ is going from strength to strength among the city's trendsetters. 1582 J. Yates 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 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 423 Buonaparte was yet in strength to make face against the united armies of the remainder of Europe. 1877 W. H. Cope xv. 493 Directly the advance was made on the main position, the Ashantees attacked in strength against the left. 1899 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. VII. i. xix. 555 A series of local attacks in strength was decided upon in the northern British sectors. 2010 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. the mind > mental capacity > belief > belief, trust, confidence > [adverb] > with reliance on 1590 J. Hester tr. J. Du Chesne ii. 19 For being bold on the strength of nature, they take in hand desperate cures forsaken. 1659 P. Heylyn 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 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 (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 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 I. iii. 64 Going to see a party of strolling players on the strength of an encouraging report. 1845 C. Dickens iii. 110 [He] had considerably improved his acquaintance with Sir Joseph Bowley on the strength of his attentive letter. 1885 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 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 (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.’ the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > [phrase] > with strength derived from food or drink 1633 P. Massinger 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 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 iii. 243 Was ever Tartar fierce or cruel, Upon the Strength of Water-Gruel? 1860 N. Hawthorne Let. 11 Feb. in A. Trollope (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 (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 v. 146 Fritz..wrote his dissertation on the strength of countless cups of coffee at a local café. 1596 H. Knyvett (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 (1640) III He knowes not his own strength, that hath not met Adversity. 1766 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 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 iii. i. 153 You don't know your own strength. This table is completely ruined. 1932 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 ii. 30 ‘Look out, Zach!’ Faulcon cried, breaking free. ‘You don't know your own strength.’ 1980 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 iii. 47 She shoved Delk playfully and nearly knocked her over. ‘Jeez! Sorry. Sometimes I don't know my own strength.’ society > armed hostility > military organization > enlistment or recruitment > [adverb] 1791 in E. Moor (?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 (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 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 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 Nov. 147 Married soldiers are of two categories, those married ‘on the strength’ and those married ‘off the strength’. 1938 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 345/2 A lottery was held to determine which of the wives on the strength would be allowed to accompany their husbands. 1794 in E. Moor (?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 25 Out of 100 prisoners,..3 got into trouble about a wife off the strength. 1897 Nov. 147 Married soldiers are of two categories, those married ‘on the strength’ and those married ‘off the strength’. 1947 S. Bagnall vii. 143 Absentees were struck off the strength so soon as it was known that they had gone absent. 2005 D. French 256 In 1914 married men, whether they were married on or off the strength, were given a separation allowance for their wives and children. the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [phrase] 1890 3 Sept. 3 The only way to get the strength of him is to wait and watch. 1906 26 Aug. 5 Wants a friend to get the strength of things. 1916 C. J. Dennis 63 Then, bit be bit, Mick gits the strength uv it. 1925 E. Fraser & J. Gibbons 272 Strength, to get the, to obtain the actual facts about anything. 1943 N. Marsh v. 93 I don't get the strength of it myself. He wouldn't say much. 1969 12 May 5/4 Get the strength of this: You [Australians] talk about bankos and trunks—is that English? 1980 15 159 A message came from the Chief Judge, Charles Roberts,..that he had got the strength of it. the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [phrase] > that's the way it is 1882 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 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 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 (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 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 (2007) xiii. 140 Not very comforting, I know, but unfortunately, that's the strength of it. 1862 ‘Cavendish’ 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 vii. 61 Though at times..they [sc. spades] are declared from strength, more often than not they represent weakness. 1944 5 May 12/2 The United Nations are at last beginning to lead from strength. 1980 S. King (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 23 May 4/2 Back in 2003, when the United States was operating from strength.., senior officials in Tehran put out feelers for negotiations. the mind > emotion > anger > irritation > expression of irritation [interjection] 1923 J. Colton & C. Randolph 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 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 xviii. 194 ‘You make all my plans sound so drab and sordid.’ ‘Oh give me strength!’ 2009 J. Wilson (2010) 410 ‘You don't think he's ill or anything?’ ‘Give me strength! Ella, all babies are sick.’ o. society > authority > rule or government > politics > German politics > [noun] > political associations or societies 1933 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 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 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 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 ii. iv. 177 Full of an awful sort of phoney strength-through-joy. 1973 ‘G. Black’ x. 156 The girl..looked as if she had graduated from one of Lee Kuan Yew's strength-through-joy courses. 1975 16 Jan. 71/3 Physical fitness was a Nazi fetish..bronzed young Germans cultivating ‘strength-through-joy’. 1979 J. Gardner 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 iv. 128 Strength Through Oi! (a play on the name of the Nazi-era leisure-time organization Strength Through Joy). Compounds C1. General attributive. 1881 39 139 On the Elasticity and Strength-constants of Japanese Rocks. By Thomas Gray..and Prof. John Milne. 1928 A. D. Ritchie 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 4 Dec. 28/1 The ratio..should be controlled by the ‘strength constant’ of the strong nuclear force. 1887 Memorandum War Rec. Office in Dept. of War 49 in (1888) (50th Congress, 1st Sess.: Senate Rep. 507, Pt. 3) The necessary organization tables, casualty and strength returns, are compiled. 1921 ‘I. Hay’ 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 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. 1832 9 New Ser. 210 (heading) Strength test for bleaching powder. 1898 19 Aug. 248/2 (heading) Strength tests of Swedish iron and steel. 1964 H. F. W. Taylor I. 2 Physical determinations, such as strength tests, are usually made with an aggregate present. 2002 (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. 1720 A. Pope tr. Homer V. xix. 167 Built anew with Strength-conferring Fare. 1779 Bp. G. Horne 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. II. iii. xl. 49 Indra, whom many laud, accept the strength-conferring Soma-juice. 1990 2 129 Siegfried, far from wrestling her strength-conferring ring away from her.., merely picks it up from the corner where she tossed it. 1600 sig. F3 Strength-decaying age. 1852 Sept. 403/2 He endeavoured..to turn their thoughts to the only Strength-giver in such an hour of sorrow. 1919 W. T. Grenfell 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 24 I have been running on..temporary, fabricated strength-givers like caffeine and junk food. 1781 M. Browne (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 Aug. 137 I saw them in all higher moods, and durst Face their strength-giving eyes. 1920 J. M. Camp & C. B. Francis (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 7 535 Semen is considered a strength-giving substance. 1663 Marquis of Worcester Index p. iij A Strength-increasing Spring. 1958 P. C. Chen 15 Steel shot..to which has been added at least one suitable strength increasing metal. 2003 J. Kandel & C. Adamec 111/2 Even very elderly people can learn to perform simple strength-increasing exercises. 1742 J. Wesley & C. Wesley ii. 255 Captain, Thy Strength-inspiring Eye Scatters my Doubts. 1799 T. Campbell i. 101 Thy strength-inspiring aid. 1855 W. Knighton 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 52 Your strength-inspiring presence made them glad. 2002 C. Chism iii. 90 The strength-inspiring token on the privy side of Gawain's shield. 1635 F. Quarles i. xi. 45 And fresh their tyred soules with strength-restoring sleepe. 1749 H. Jones 188 The rescu'd mother and her Infant thrive; Through timely care and Strength-restoring Food. 1852 P. J. Bailey (ed. 5) 524 Another holy day..hath now slid Into the passive strength-restoring night. 1940 2 Sept. 82/2 Rebuilding depleted soil through strength-restoring crops. 2003 (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. the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily weakness > weakening > [adjective] 1859 F. W. Wyon 43 The strength-sapping lap of peace. 1961 6 Dec. 3/4 Both boxers kept up a strength-sapping pace. 2012 (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. society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > bridge > [adjective] > system of bidding > types of bidding 1930 E. Culbertson xx. 267 ‘Strength showing’ optional or artificial bids..are a polite warning to the enemy not to fall into the trap. 2009 B. Manley (ed. 2) iv. 45 Many new players make the mistake of thinking they have to make some kind of strength-showing jump bid. ?1624 G. Chapman tr. Hymn to Hermes in tr. 75 Because he beares Of strength-sustayning youth, the flaming yeares. 1838 28 July 338/2 The superiority of the stimulating, strength-sustaining practice, over the depleting, refrigerating, life-destroying system. 1997 22 Feb. 42 All the de rigueur accoutrement of designer helmet, gloves,..and strength-sustaining energy bottles. 1867 32 (advt.) The Improved Bastazometer, or Strength Testing and Developing Apparatus..is especially adapted for use in hospitals. 1878 2 Dec. 306/2 After a strength-testing and continuous travel from Shoshong, of more than seven weeks,..we arrived at our destination. 1935 Nov. 152A/1 The two blocks were placed in a scientific Strength-Testing machine. 1969 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. vi. 49/1 Strength testing of the shoulder should include testing of strength in abduction and external rotation. C3. 1885 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 Jan. 32 a/1 (advt.) Larry is only one of hundreds of my pupils who have excelled as strength athletes. 1964 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 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 i. 96/2 The strength exercises are designed to be performed with a set of soft ankle weights. 2014 (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. 1948 G. Z. Dupain xix. 172 The diet in strength training should follow along the same lines as endurance. 1986 D. Scott & L. Barrett vii. 142 Strength training is a supplement to your overall triathlon training program. 2008 Feb. 143/2 That is what strength training is all about: you must reach muscular overload after only a few repetitions. C4. 1877 16 Nov. 240/2 This would give the ratio of strength to weight of ‘C. G.'s’ projected bridge.] 1922 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 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 18 Apr. 69/2 Nano-composites are used in the automotive and packaging industries because of their very high strength-to-weight ratio. society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > metal > qualities of metals > [noun] > ratio of metal strength to weight 1921 (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 i. 2 The strength-weight ratio of materials used in airframes is of such great importance. 2003 D. J. Dowrick 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. 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. the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > strengthening or confirmation of immaterial things > strengthen or confirm immaterial things [verb (transitive)] the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > adhere constantly or steadfastly to [verb (transitive)] > make steadfast c1200 ( (Hatton) i. 80 Soðlice se cnape weox & wæs on gaste gestræncþed [OE Corpus Cambr. gestrangod, OE Lindisf. gestrenced; L. confortebatur]. 1340 (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) (Gött.) l. 22366 Þai sal..strinth þaim al gain þat fight. 1450–1 (Electronic ed.) Parl. Nov. 1450 §8. m. 2 Every of theym..comforted, eided, assisted and strenghted other, to the seid murdre. 1526 W. Bonde 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 184 Men..being be the Haly Ghaist steirit and strenthed. 1634 J. Downham (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 111 That holy, and that sacred Name, that strengthed me above Fear with a lively Hope. 1819 P. Allen I. xiii. 412 It was of infinite service in quieting the fears of the timid and strengthing the resolute. 1886 A. Gilman (1887) xi. 95 She strengthed him in all his purposes; through her he believed that Allah sent him comfort. 1902 J. Packard 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 iii. iv. 166 Strengthed by prayer, Vic and Bonnie swore they would never bail Ronnie out. the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > summon up one's strength [verb (reflexive)] a1225 (?OE) MS Lamb. in R. Morris (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 (1878) 257 (MED) A mon..streinþede him bi al ys miht to serue god. c1400 (Bodl.) 139 (MED) Ȝif he ony tyme strengþeþ him to arise, [etc.]. c1450 (c1415) in W. O. Ross (1940) 141 (MED) Now shall we strenght vs to fast. 1490 W. Caxton tr. (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. the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > bodily strength > strengthening > make strong [verb (transitive)] c1300 (?a1200) Laȝamon (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 (Bodl. 959) (1969) Isa. xxxv. 3 Counfortiþ þe hondis loosid atwynne: & þe feble knes strengthiþ. tr. Palladius (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 (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. (Lamb.) 82 Thynges þat strynghtes and makys fat þe body. ?1541 R. Copland ii. sig. Hj With the mediastinum wherwith it [sc. the heart] is steyed and strengthed. a1698 L. Muggleton (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 (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 (new ed.) I. 284 He prohibited all games, except such as strengthed the body. 1852 New Ser. 1 262/1 A manual or mechanical system of strengthing the body and removing disease. 1998 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 viii. 109 Her arms and hands were strengthed by years of weightlifting. society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > fortify [verb (transitive)] c1325 (c1300) (Calig.) 4720 (MED) Hii..strengþede castles. a1382 (Bodl. 959) (1969) Ecclus. l. 1 Symeon..vndersette þe hous: &..strengþede [L. corroboravit] þe temple. a1382 (Bodl. 959) (1963) 2 Chron. xiv. 7 Bilde wee vp þese cites & enuyrowne wee with walles, & strengþe wee wiþ toures & ȝatis & lokis. a1400 (a1325) (Vesp.) l. 9880 (MED) A castell..Strenthed wel..es hei sett a-pon þe crag. a1450 ( in J. Kail (1904) 58 Strengþe ȝoure marche, and kepe þe see. 1472 in J. D. Marwick (1871) 135 We charge al..personis having tenementis or landis wythin the..burgh that thai strenth and fortify thair hede rovmys. a1525 (Trin. Dublin) (1896) 68 The lond of Irland..whyche he hade y-cast for to streynth with castell. a1535 T. More (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 (new ed.) f. 20v Marsh wall too slight, strength now or god night. 1653 in (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 (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 (1852) IV. 253 The young Chevalier & his party had strengthed themselves by the capture of Carlisle. 1797 G. Staunton 468 A watch tower..provided with large massy doors strengthed with iron. 1840 2 Oct. 43/2 At Alexandria the Pacha had strengthed himself, and was prepared for very formidable resistance. 1867 J. N. Edwards xxi. 391 The division was strengthed by a regiment recently recruited in Southeast Missouri. 1903 19 Dec. 4/1 Germany has long been strengthing her navy. 1913 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 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. the world > action or operation > easiness > aid, help, or assistance > strengthening or confirmation of immaterial things > strengthen or confirm immaterial things [verb (transitive)] 1340 (1866) 205 Þe greate metes..norisseþ lecherie, ase oyle oþer grese aliȝteþ and stengþeþ [read strengþeþ] þet uer. c1350 (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 (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Prov. xx. 18 Thoȝtis bi counseilis ben strengthid. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (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 (Paris) (1971) 558 (MED) When þai ben putte in litel quantite, þay strengþe nouȝt mykel þe medecyne. a1475 in A. Clark (1905) i. 365 I-strengthed with the seales of bothe chapiters to more suerte. a1475 in A. Clark (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 (1896) I. 120 Þan mad he byschoppis ay-quhare, to strinth and vpehald goddis lare. 1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine f. cccviii/1 They be sent for to strengthe in vs alle our perfection vnto the ende. a1572 J. Knox Hist. Reformation Scotl. in (1846) I. 417 Saiff your persone by wisdome, strenth your selff against force, and the Almychtie God assist yow. 1610 J. Mason G 2 Twas loue and state Gaue thee this time of life to strength my fate. 1614 J. Taylor B 4 b Those Marchants..more to strength their power, ioynd with the Pope. 1648 Z. Boyd 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 (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 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 15 He had surrounded the king with his creatures, enriched and strengthed himself by selling provinces to France. ?1799 W. Guirey 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 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 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 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 (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. ?c1400 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius (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 at Strenth v. Gyfe he recowntyr the borch & strenthis it with hys resonis. 1562 N. Winȝet (1888) I. 25 I strenthit not my purpose with ma sufficient ressonis and auctoriteis. 1684 R. Ferguson (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 IV. 118 The supposition is strengthed, by the consideration of poetry's being frequently the offspring of love and retirement. 1823 in (1917) XII. 809 This opinion is greatly Strengthed by the information received from a number of the inspectors themselves. 1850 R. C. Trench (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 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 24 Nov. 2/2 Further strengthing its argument, the committee refers to the fact that [etc.]. 1986 M. Sornarajah 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. society > authority > subjection > obedience > compulsion > compel [verb (transitive)] > to do something 1340 (1866) 86 (MED) Ne alle þe dyeulen of helle ne moȝen mannes wyl strengþi to do one zenne wyþ-oute his wylle. a1425 (Stonyhurst) f. 2 Adigo, to do forþermore or to strengþen [?c1460 BL Add. vlterius ago vel cogo]. Derivatives society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > [adjective] a1382 (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. xxxvi. 1 Alle the strengthid [L. munitas] cites of Juda. 1606 J. Marston iii. ii. sig. E2v Beefore then Syphax ioine With new strength'd Carthage..Fall we like suddeine lightning fore his eyes. 1839 Mar. 237/2 'Twas balm to his soul, and he rose again With a strengthed spirit. 1845 W. H. Burleigh 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 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 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). <  n.OE v.c1200 |
