power

power
{{11}}power (n.) c.1300, "ability; ability to act or do; strength, vigor, might," especially in battle; "efficacy; control, mastery, lordship, dominion; legal power or authority; authorization; military force, an army," from Anglo-Fr. pouair, O.Fr. povoir, noun use of the infinitive, "to be able," earlier podir (9c.), from V.L. *potere, from L. potis "powerful" (see POTENT (Cf. potent)).
Whatever some hypocritical ministers of government may say about it, power is the greatest of all pleasures. It seems to me that only love can beat it, and love is a happy illness that can't be picked up as easily as a Ministry. [Stendhal "de l'Amour," 1822]
Meaning "specific ability or capacity" is from early 15c. Meaning "a state or nation with regard to international authority or influence" is from 1726. Phrase the powers that be is from Rom. xiii:1. As a statement wishing good luck, more power to (someone) is recorded from 1842.
{{12}}power (v.) "to supply with power," 1898, from POWER (Cf. power) (n.). Related: Powered; powering.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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