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.