Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Sturdiest"

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Sturdy \Stur"dy\, a. [Compar. {Sturdier}; superl. {Sturdiest}.]
[OE. sturdi inconsiderable, OF. estourdi stunned, giddy,
thoughtless, rash, F. ['e]tourdi, p. p. of OF. estourdir to
stun, to render giddy, to amaze, F. ['e]tourdir; of uncertain
origin. The sense has probably been influenced by E. stout.]
1. Foolishly obstinate or resolute; stubborn; unrelenting;
unfeeling; stern.

This sturdy marquis gan his hearte dress To rue upon
her wifely steadfastness. --Chaucer.

This must be done, and I would fain see Mortal so
sturdy as to gainsay. --Hudibras.

A sturdy, hardened sinner shall advance to the
utmost pitch of impiety with less reluctance than he
took the first steps. --Atterbury.

2. Resolute, in a good sense; or firm, unyielding quality;
as, a man of sturdy piety or patriotism.

3. Characterized by physical strength or force; strong;
lusty; violent; as, a sturdy lout.

How bowed the woods beneath their sturdy stroke!
--Gray.

4. Stiff; stout; strong; as, a sturdy oak. --Milton.

He was not of any delicate contexture; his limbs
rather sturdy than dainty. --Sir H.
Wotton.

Syn: Hardy; stout; strong; firm; robust; stiff.


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