Pu′is·sance, n. [F., fr. puissant. See Puissant, and cf. Potency, Potance, Potence.] Power; strength; might; force; potency. " Youths of puissance." Tennyson.
The power and puissance of the king. Shak.
☞ In Spenser, Shakespeare, and Milton, puissance and puissant are usually dissyllables.