Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PO'TENT, a. [L. potens.]

1. Powerful; physically strong; forcible; efficacious; as, a potent medicine. Moses once more his potent rod extends. – Milton.
2. Powerful, in a moral sense; having great influence; as, potent interest; a potent argument. – Decay of Piety.
3. Having great authority, control or dominion; as, a potent prince. – Shak.