Potent \Po"tent\, a. [L. potens, -entis, p. pr. of posse to be able, to have power, fr. potis able, capable (akin to Skr. pati master, lord) + esse to be. See Host a landlord, Am, and cf. Despot, Podesta, Possible, Power, Puissant.]

1. Producing great physical effects; forcible; powerful' efficacious; as, a potent medicine. ``Harsh and potent injuries.'' --Shak.

Moses once more his potent rod extends. --Milton.

2. Having great authority, control, or dominion; puissant; mighty; influential; as, a potent prince. ``A potent dukedom.'' --Shak.

Most potent, grave, and reverend signiors. --Shak.

3. Powerful, in an intellectual or moral sense; having great influence; as, potent interest; a potent argument.

Cross potent. (Her.) See Illust. (7) of Cross.

Syn: Powerful; mighty; puissant; strong; able; efficient; forcible; efficacious; cogent; influential.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Potent \Po"tent\, n.

1. A prince; a potentate. [Obs.]

--Shak.

2. [See Potence.]

A staff or crutch. [Obs.]

3. (Her.) One of the furs; a surface composed of patches which are supposed to represent crutch heads; they are always alternately argent and azure, unless otherwise specially mentioned.

Counter potent (Her.), a fur differing from potent in the arrangement of the patches.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)