\Pu"is*sant\, a. [F., originally, a p. pr. formed fr.
L. posse to be able: cf. L. potens powerful. See {Potent}.]
Powerful; strong; mighty; forcible; as, a puissant prince or
empire. `` Puissant deeds.'' --Milton.

      Of puissant nations which the world possessed.
                                               --Spenser.

      And worldlings in it are less merciful, And more
      puissant.                                --Mrs.
                                               Browning.