Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Forcible
For′ci·ble (fōr′sĭ·b'l), 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. 25.
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.