from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Forcible \For"ci*ble\, a. [Cf. OF. forcible forcible, forceable
that may be forced.]
1. Possessing force; characterized by force, efficiency, or
energy; powerful; efficacious; impressive; influential.
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How forcible are right words! --Job. vi. 2?.
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Sweet smells are most forcible in dry substances,
when broken. --Bacon.
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But I have reasons strong and forcible. --Shak.
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That punishment which hath been sometimes forcible
to bridle sin. --Hooker.
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He is at once elegant and sublime, forcible and
ornamented. --Lowth
(Transl. )
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2. Violent; impetuous.
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Like mingled streams, more forcible when joined.
--Prior.
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3. Using force against opposition or resistance; obtained by
compulsion; effected by force; as, forcible entry or
abduction.
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In embraces of King James . . . forcible and unjust.
--Swift.
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{Forcible entry and detainer} (Law), the entering upon and
taking and withholding of land and tenements by actual
force and violence, and with a strong hand, to the
hindrance of the person having the right to enter.
Syn: Violent; powerful; strong; energetic; mighty; potent;
weighty; impressive; cogent; influential.
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