† renˈforce, v. Obs.
Also 6 renforse, re'nforce, r'inforce, 6–7 r'enforce.
[ad. F. renforcer: see re- and enforce v., also re-enforce v., reinforce v.]
1. trans. To reinforce, strengthen.
| 1525 Ld. Berners Froiss. II. cxiv. [cx.] 327, I am yet wyllynge to treate of this matter more at lengthe, to renforce this hystorye. 1549 Compl. Scot. Ep. Ded. 6 He renforsit the toune vitht victualis, hagbutaris, ande munitions. 1589 Puttenham Eng. Poesie iii. xxv. (Arb.) 309 Arte is an ayde and coadiutor to nature..by renforcing the causes wherein shee is impotent and defectiue. 1602 Segar Hon. Mil. & Civ. i. xvi. 23 Having omitted opportunitie to renforce a place of strength called Petra. a 1652 Brome Covent Garden v. iii, R'enforce the Ranks that are broken. |
2. To compel (one) again to do a thing. rare—1.
| 1590 Spenser F.Q. ii. x. 48 Yet twise they were repulsed backe againe, And twise renforst backe to their ships to fly. |
Hence † renˈforcing vbl. n.; also † renˈforcer.
| 1566 Painter Pal. Pleas. I. 92 Erasistratus feling the renforcing of the poulce to proue howe long it would continewe,..still helde his fingers vpon the beating of the poulces. 1589 Puttenham Eng. Poesie iii. xvi[i]. (Arb.) 194 marg., Emphasis, or the Renforcer. 1604 Edmonds Observ. Cæsar's Comm. 4 The benefite..consisteth chiefly in the renforcing, or..the redoubling of such troupes. |