[F. tour turn, feat, de of, force force, strength.] A feat of strength, power, or skill.
1805. G. Ellis, Lett., in Lockhart, Scott (1837), II. ii. 80. Leyden’s breakfast was only a tour de force to astonish Ritson.
1818. Lady Morgan, Fl. Macarthy, II. v. 234. Each should try a tour de force with the other.
1870. Ruskin, Lect. Art, i. (1875), 15. The execution of the best Artists is always a splendid tour-de-force.
1895. Salmond, Chr. Doctr. Immort., VI. iii. 640. It is only by a tour de force that they can be driven that length.
