reenforce

Re`ën*force" (-frs") v. t. Etym: [Pref. re- + enforce: cf. F. renforcer.] Defn: To strengthen with new force, assistance, material, or support; as, to reënforce an argument; to reënforce a garment; especially, to strengthen with additional troops, as an army or a fort, or with additional ships, as a fleet. [Written also reinforce.] Re`ën*force", n. Etym: [See Reënforce, v., and cf. Ranforce, Reinforce.] Defn: Something which reënforces or strengthens. Specifically: (a) That part of a cannon near the breech which is thicker than the rest of the piece, so as better to resist the force of the exploding powder. See Illust. of Cannon. (b) An additional thickness of canvas, cloth, or the like, around an eyelet, buttonhole, etc.

---