I.strength displayed in action, prowess, courage, boldness, ἐπιειμένος ἀλκήν clad in prowess, Il.; δύεσθαι ἀλκήν id=Il.: in pl. feats of strength, Pind.
II.strength to avert danger, a defence, succour, Hom.; ἀλκή τινος defence or aid against a thing, Hes., Pind., etc.; ἐς or πρὸς ἀλκὴν τρέπεσθαι to turn and resist, stand on one's guard, Hdt., etc.; so, ἀλκῆς μεμνῆσθαι id=Hdt.
III.battle, fight, Aesch., Eur.