See Also: potence(1)(dictionary)
potence(2)(dictionary)
potence(dictionary)

potence(2) (iou)



potence noun2. LME.
[Old & mod. French = crutch, (mod.) gallows from Latin potentia: see POTENCE noun1, cf. POTENT noun1 & adjective1.]
A crutch. Also, a heraldic device shaped like the crosspiece of a crutch. Cf. POTENT noun1 3. LME-L15.
A cross; a gibbet. L15-M19.
Horology. A piece fastened to a plate of a clock or watch to form the lower pivot of the spindle. L17.
Hist. A military formation in which a line is thrown out at right angles to the main body. M18.
Hist. A revolving post with a ladder, used for collecting eggs in a dovecote. L19.