strengthen (strengthn)

[ Charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him. Deut. iii. 28. IMG:content-2263.png:[blocks in formation] Chaucer, Death of Blanche, 1. 351. heighten. If you did know to whom I gave the ring, You would abate the strength of your displeasure. Shak ., M. of V., v. 1. 198. 5. Degree of the distinguishing or e ential element or constituent; the power to produce sensible effects on other bodies; potency: said of liquors and the like: as, the strength of an acid; the strength of wine or spirits; the strength of a potion or a poison.-6. Force as measured or stated in figures; amount or numbers of any collective body, as of an army or a fleet: as, a play adapted to the whole strength of the com- pany; the full strength of a regiment. Demand of him of what strength they are a-foot. Shak ., All's Well, iv. 3. 181. Half a dozen gentlemen, furnished with a good strength of water-spaniels. Gilbert White, Nat. Hist. Selborne, To T. Pennant, xxii. 7. Available force or backing, as of a candi date: as, his strength is greatest in the cities. [Political cant.] -8. Force proceeding from motion and proportioned to it; vehemence; impetuosity: as, the strength of a current of air or water; the strength of a charge of cavalry.9. A stronghold. Syne they hae left him, hail and feir, Within his strength of stane. Auld Maitland (Child's Ballads, VI. 222), "No to say it's our best dwelling," he added, turning to Bucklaw, "but just a strength for the Lord of Ravens wood to flee until." Scott , Bride of Lammer moor, vii. 10. In colors, the relative property po e ed by a pigment of imparting a color to and modifying the shade of any other pigment to which it is added. Thus, one pound of lampblack added to 100 pounds of white lead produces a dark-gray shade, but one pound of ivory-black added in the same way would have little effect on the white. 11. In the fine arts, boldne of conception or treatment. II. in trans. To grow strong or stronger. The young disease, that must subdue at length, Grows with his growth, and strengthens with his strength. Pope , E ay on Man, ii. 136.