prowess

prowess (ˈpraʊɪs)

—n
1.	outstanding or superior skill or ability
2.	bravery or fearlessness, esp in battle

[C13: from Old French proesce, from prou good; see proud]

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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

prowess

late 13c., 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, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences

He has no particular record either of military prowess or of outstanding

administrative ability.

Depending on egos involved, you may cut yourself off at the knees if you go on

and on about your prowess in that area.

The state hosts many century rides for cyclists looking to demonstrate their

athletic prowess.

It was his blogging prowess that led to his job, and much of the job consists

of blogging.

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Matching Quote

"Let all our dealings with the redman be characterized by justice and good faith, and let there be the most liberal provision for his physical wants, for education in its widest sense, and for religious instruction and training. To do this will cost money, but like all money well expended, it is a wise economy.... If by reason of the intrigues of the whites or from any cause Indian wars come, then let us correct the errors of the past. Always the numbers and the prowess of the Indians have been underrated."

-Rutherford Birchard Hayes