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Definition of prowess - 3 dictionary results

prow⋅ess

  [prou-is]
Use prowess in a Sentence
–noun
1. exceptional valor, bravery, or ability, esp. in combat or battle.
2. exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength: his prowess as a public speaker.
3. a valiant or daring deed.
Origin:
1250–1300; ME < OF proesse, proece goodness, bravery, equiv. to prou prow 2 + -esse < L -itia -ice

Related forms:
prowessed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To prowess
prow·ess   (prou'ĭs)   
n.  

  1. Superior skill or ability.

  2. Superior strength, courage, or daring, especially in battle.


[Middle English prowesse, from Old French proesse, from prud, prou, brave; see proud.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

prowess 
c.1290, prouesse, from O.Fr. proece (Fr. prouesse), from prou, variant of prud "brave, valiant," from V.L. *prodem (cf. Sp. proeza, It. prodezza; see proud). Prow was in M.E. as a noun meaning "advantage, profit," also as a related adj., but it has become obsolete.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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