Puissant \Pu"is*sant\, a. [F., originally, a p. pr. formed fr. L. posse to be able: cf. L. potens powerful. See {Potent}.] Powerful; strong; mighty; forcible; as, a puissant prince or empire. `` Puissant deeds.'' --Milton.
Of puissant nations which the world possessed. --Spenser.
And worldlings in it are less merciful, And more puissant. --Mrs. Browning.
The feisty opposition group is deeply in debt and has been hard put to combat the museum's flashy P.R. outfit, its expensive lawyers and puissant board.