† ranforce, v. Obs.
Also 6 -forse.
[ad. F. renforcer renforce; cf. ramforce v.]
1. trans. To strengthen, fortify. Hence ranforcing vbl. n.
| 1547 Register Privy Council Scot. (1877) I. 79 Our auld ynemeis of Ingland..hes ranforsit the samin, and..perseveris in thair bigging and ranforsing of the saidis places. 1590 Sir J. Smyth Disc. Weapons Ded. 5 Newe supplies of men and munitions from time to time to ranforce his Armie or Armies. Ibid. 6 Light Harquebuzes well formed of conuenient length, and ranforced. |
¶ 2. To force, break open.
| 1637 Monro Exped. i. 51 With a huge great ladder and the force of men we ran-forced the doore and entred. |
Hence † ranforce-ring. Obs. (See quot. and reinforce n.)
| 1706 Phillips, Ranforce-Ring of a Gun, that which is next before the Touch-hole, between it and the Trunnions. |