ˈforcible ˈfeeble
[after Shakespeare: see quot. 1597.]
A feeble person who makes great pretence of vigour; also used attrib. or as adj.
| [1597 Shakes. 2 Hen. IV, iii. ii. 179, Shal. Francis Feeble! Fee. Here, Sir.. Fal. I cannot put him to a priuate souldier, that is the Leader of so many thousands. Let that suffice, most Forcible Feeble.] 1844 Disraeli Coningsby i. v, Italics, that last resource of the Forcible Feebles. 1850 N. Brit. Rev. XIII. 2 Epithets..in the bad taste of the forcible-feeble school. 1896 Daily News 15 June 6/6 The forcible Feebles who control the destinies..of the Party. |