a. [ L. cogens, p. pr. of cogere to drive together, to force; co- + agere to drive. See Agent, a., and cf. Coact to force, Coagulate, p. a. ] 1. Compelling, in a physical sense; powerful. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] The cogent force of nature. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Having the power to compel conviction or move the will; constraining; conclusive; forcible; powerful; not easily reasisted. [ 1913 Webster ] No better nor more cogent reason. Dr. H. More. [ 1913 Webster ] Proofs of the most cogent description. Tyndall. [ 1913 Webster ] The tongue whose strains were cogent as commands,
Revered at home, and felt in foreign lands. Cowper. Syn. -- Forcible; powerful; potent; urgent; strong; persuasive; convincing; conclusive; influential. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
