puissance

/ˈpjuːɪ.s(ə)ns/

Etymology

From Middle English puissaunce, from Anglo-Norman puissance, pusaunce, and other forms, from Old French puissant (“powerful”).

Why this word is great

PUISSANCE — [Noun] Power, might, or potency; also, the high-jump component in the sport of show jumping. From Middle English puissaunce, via Anglo-Norman from Old French puissant ("powerful"), rooted in Latin posse ("to be able"). Unlike "authority" (which implies legitimacy) or "vigor" (which suggests mere physical energy), puissance is sheer, untamed capacity—whether of a storm splitting the sky, a stallion clearing a five-bar fence without effort, or a quiet ruler whose word bends nations without raising a hand. It is power stripped of pretense, the kind that does not ask permission, only obedience.

noun

power, might or potency“The Sarazin ſore daunted with the buffe / Snatcheth his ſword, and fiercely to him flies; / Who well it wards, and quyteth cuff with cuff: / Each others equall puiſſaunce enuies, / And through their iron ſides with cruelties / Does ſeeke to perce: repining courage yields / No foote to foe.”
The high-jump component of the sport of show jumping.“It was in Dublin that San Lucas scored his first success in what has become something of a speciality for him, the puissance.”