What is "forcible entry and detainer"

Forcible \For"ci*ble\, a. [Cf. OF. forcible forcible, forceable that may be forced.]

1. Possessing force; characterized by force, efficiency, or energy; powerful; efficacious; impressive; influential.

   How forcible are right words!
   --Job. vi. 2?.

   Sweet smells are most forcible in dry substances, when broken.
   --Bacon.

   But I have reasons strong and forcible.
   --Shak.

   That punishment which hath been sometimes forcible to bridle sin.
   --Hooker.

   He is at once elegant and sublime, forcible and ornamented.
   --Lowth (Transl. )

2. Violent; impetuous.

   Like mingled streams, more forcible when joined.
   --Prior.

3. Using force against opposition or resistance; obtained by compulsion; effected by force; as, forcible entry or abduction.

   In embraces of King James . . . forcible and unjust.
   --Swift.

   Forcible entry and detainer (Law), the entering upon and taking and withholding of land and tenements by actual force and violence, and with a strong hand, to the hindrance of the person having the right to enter.

   Syn: Violent; powerful; strong; energetic; mighty; potent; weighty; impressive; cogent; influential.