a. [f. as ENERGETIC a. + -AL.]
1. Philos. Operative, that produces effects; active as opposed to passive. arch.
1603. Sir C. Heydon, Jud. Astrol., xxiii. 506. Their inward formes, and energeticall faculties.
1644–52. J. Smith, Sel. Disc., iv. 119. Resembling the passive powers of the intellect to colours, the active or energetical to light.
1678. Cudworth, Intell. Syst., 161. Fate … ought … to be looked upon … as an energetical and effectual principle.
1850. Maurice, Mor. & Met. Philos. (ed. 2), 88. All things are efficient and energetical only in their harmony.
† 2. Powerfully operative. Obs.
1631. R. H., Arraignm. Whole Creature, i. 8. When it worketh it is energeticall indeed, and powerfull in operation.
1644–52. J. Smith, Sel. Disc., v. 160. As this is more strong and active, so is happiness itself more energetical within us.
1661. G. Rust, Origen’s Opin., in Phenix (1721), I. 73. That most excellent and most energetical part in us which the Scripture calls Spirit.
3. Full of energy; strenuously active; forcible, emphatic. rare in mod. use.
1631. Star Chamb. Cases (1886), 46. A very energeticall phrase, grynding the faces of the poore.
1773. J. Allen, Serm. St. Mary’s Oxf., 23. The energetical fervent prayers of this church’s champions.
1839. G. P. R. James, Louis XIV., III. 409. This rapid, and energetical method of continuing the war.
