French word potence comes from Latin -ius, Latin sum ((copulative) I am, exist, have (with dative).), Proto-Italic *potis
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| -ius | Latin (lat) | Genitive suffix for some irregular pronouns. Forming adjectives from nouns. |
| sum | Latin (lat) | (copulative) I am, exist, have (with dative). |
| *potis | Proto-Italic (itc-pro) | |
| potis | Latin (lat) | Able, capable, possible. |
| posse | Latin (lat) | (post-Classical) force, body of men. (scholastic Latin) potentiality, capability of being. Power, ability "to be able (to)". |
| potentia | Latin (lat) | Ability, capacity. Force, power, might. Political power, authority, influence, sway. |
| potence | French (fra) | (construction) post and braces. Gallows, gibbet (for hanging). |