Sinew

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A tendon or tendonous tissue. See Tendon.

2. Muscle; nerve. [R.] Sir J. Davies.

3. Fig.: That which supplies strength or power. The portion and sinew of her fortune, her marriage dowry. Shak. The bodies of men, munition, and money, may justly be called the sinews of war. Sir W. Raleigh.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To knit together, or make strong with, or as with, sinews. Shak. Wretches, now stuck up for long tortures . . . might, if properly treated, serve to sinew the state in time of danger. Goldsmith.