Part 270

For"cer (?), n. 1. One who, or that which, forces or drives.

2. (Mech.) (a) The solid piston of a force pump; the instrument by which water is forced in a pump. (b) A small hand pump for sinking pits, draining cellars, etc.

For"ci*ble (?), a. [Cf. OF. forcible forcible, forceable that may be forced.] 1. Possessing force; characterized by force, efficiency, or energy; powerful; efficacious; impressive; influential.

How forcible are right words!

Job. vi. 2&?;.

Sweet smells are most forcible in dry substances, when broken.

Bacon.

But I have reasons strong and forcible.

Shak.

That punishment which hath been sometimes forcible to bridle sin.

Hooker.

He is at once elegant and sublime, forcible and ornamented.

Lowth (Transl. )

2. Violent; impetuous.

Like mingled streams, more forcible when joined.

Prior.

3. Using force against opposition or resistance; obtained by compulsion; effected by force; as, forcible entry or abduction.

In embraces of King James . . . forcible and unjust.

Swift.

Forcible entry and detainer (Law), the entering upon and taking and withholding of land and tenements by actual force and violence, and with a strong hand, to the hindrance of the person having the right to enter.

Syn. -- Violent; powerful; strong; energetic; mighty; potent; weighty; impressive; cogent; influential.

For"ci*ble-fee`ble (?), a. [From Feeble, a character in the Second Part of Shakespeare's "King Henry IV.," to whom Falstaff derisively applies the epithet "forcible."] Seemingly vigorous, but really weak or insipid.

He [Prof. Ayton] would purge his book of much offensive matter, if he struck out epithets which are in the bad taste of the forcible-feeble school.

N. Brit. Review.

For"ci*ble*ness, n. The quality of being forcible.

For"ci*bly, adv. In a forcible manner.

For"cing (?), n. 1. The accomplishing of any purpose violently, precipitately, prematurely, or with unusual expedition.

2. (Gardening) The art of raising plants, flowers, and fruits at an earlier season than the natural one, as in a hitbed or by the use of artificial heat.