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Prowess
Definitions
- 1 Skillfulness or extraordinary ability in a particular area of expertise; dexterity, mastery, or proficiency. uncountable
"When in liquor he would make foolish wagers. On one of these too frequent occasions he was boasting of his prowess as a pedestrian and athlete, and the outcome was a match against nature. For a stake of one sovereign he undertook to run all the way to Coventry and back, a distance of something more than forty miles."
- 2 a superior skill that you can learn by study and practice and observation wordnet
- 3 Distinguished bravery or courage, especially in battle; heroism. uncountable
"That libertie Poets of late in their invectives have exceeded: they have borne their ſword up where it is not lawfull for a poynado, that is but the page of proweſſe, to intermeddle."
- 4 An act of prowess.; An act of adroitness or dexterity. countable, uncountable
"I recollect hearing […] of his [Sir William Hamilton's] simple, independent, meditative habits, ruggedly athletic modes of exercise, fondness for his big dog, etc. etc.: […] I did not witness, much less share in, any of the swimming or other athletic prowesses."
- 5 An act of prowess.; An act of distinguished bravery or courage; a heroic deed. countable, uncountable
"Thenne the batails approuched and ſhoue and ſhowted on bothe ſydes / many men ouerthrowen / hurte / & ſlayn and grete valyaunces / proweſſes and appertyces of werre were that day ſhewed […]"
Etymology
From Middle English prowesse, prouwesse, proues, prouesce, prouesse (“bravery in battle; act of bravery; excellence; nobility of character; intelligence”), from Old French proeche, proesce, proeësche (“goodness; excellence; bravery”), from Old French preu, prou, prouz, proz, pruz (“good; excellent; brave”). Compare English proud.
See also for "prowess"
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