- prowess
- \ \ see PROUD
Word origins - 2ed. J. Ayto. 2005.
prowess
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Prowess — Prow ess, n. [OF. proece, proesce, F. prouesse. See {Prow}, a.] Distinguished bravery; valor; especially, military bravery and skill; gallantry; intrepidity; fearlessness. Chaucer. Sir P. Sidney. [1913 Webster] He by his prowess conquered all… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
prowess — [n1] ability, skill accomplishment, address, adeptness, adroitness, aptitude, attainment, command, deftness, dexterity, excellence, expertise, expertness, facility, genius, mastery, readiness, sleight, talent; concept 630 Ant. inability, weakness … New thesaurus
prowess — I (ability) noun adeptness, adroitness, cleverness, competence, competency, craft, deftness, dexterity, excellence, expertise, expertness, facility, finesse, know how, mastership, mastery, proficiency, skill, skillfulness, virtuosity, wizardry II … Law dictionary
prowess — late 13c., prouesse, from O.Fr. proece (Fr. prouesse), from prou, variant of prud brave, valiant, from V.L. *prodem (Cf. Sp. proeza, It. prodezza; see PROUD (Cf. proud)). Prow was in M.E. as a noun meaning advantage, profit, also as a related adj … Etymology dictionary
prowess — *heroism, valor, gallantry Analogous words: bravery, boldness, audacity, intrepidity (see corresponding adjectives at BRAVE): *courage, mettle, spirit: strength, might, puissance, *power … New Dictionary of Synonyms
prowess — ► NOUN 1) skill or expertise in a particular activity or field. 2) bravery in battle. ORIGIN Old French proesce, from prou valiant … English terms dictionary
prowess — [prou′is] n. [ME < OFr prouesse < prou: see PROW2] 1. bravery; valor 2. superior ability, skill, etc … English World dictionary
prowess — noun ADJECTIVE ▪ academic, athletic, intellectual, manufacturing, military, physical, sexual, sporting (esp. BrE), technical, technological … Collocations dictionary
prowess — n. 1) to demonstrate, display prowess 2) athletic; military prowess 3) prowess in * * * [ praʊɪs] display prowess military prowess athletic to demonstrate prowess in … Combinatory dictionary
prowess — [[t]pra͟ʊɪs[/t]] N UNCOUNT Someone s prowess is their great skill at doing something. [FORMAL] He s always bragging about his prowess as a cricketer... The best and the brightest pupils competed to demonstrate their intellectual prowess … English dictionary
Prowess — This was an essential quality of a knight, being a combination of skill with both daring and valour. Such a skill was both developed and demonstrated at tournaments, whether in the *melee or in single combat on foot with a sword or jousting.… … Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases
