early 15c., puissaunce, "power, strength, authority," from Old French puissance, poissance "power, might" (12c.), from puissant (see puissant).
Entries linking to puissance
puissant adj.
mid-15c., puissaunt, "powerful, influential, in a position of authority; physically strong," from Old French puissant "strong, mighty, powerful," earlier poissant (12c.), from stem of Old French poeir "to be able" (see power (n.)). Related: Puissantly.