Hypertext Webster Gateway: "obstinacy"

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

Obstinacy \Ob"sti*na*cy\, n. [See {Obstinate}.]
1. A fixedness in will, opinion, or resolution that can not
be shaken at all, or only with great difficulty; firm and
usually unreasonable adherence to an opinion, purpose, or
system; unyielding disposition; stubborness; pertinacity;
persistency; contumacy.

You do not well in obstinacy To cavil in the course
of this contract. --Shak.

To shelter their ignorance, or obstinacy, under the
obscurity of their terms. --Locke.

2. The quality or state of being difficult to remedy,
relieve, or subdue; as, the obstinacy of a disease or
evil.

Syn: Pertinacity; firmness; resoluteness; inflexibility;
persistency; stubbornness; perverseness; contumacy.

Usage: {Obstinacy}, {Pertinacity}. Pertinacity denotes great
firmness in holding to a thing, aim, etc. Obstinacy is
great firmness in holding out against persuasion,
attack, etc. The former consists in adherence, the
latter in resistance. An opinion is advocated with
pertinacity or defended with obstinacy. Pertinacity is
often used in a good sense; obstinacy generally in a
bad one. ``In this reply was included a very gross
mistake, and if with pertinacity maintained, a capital
error.'' --Sir T. Browne. ``Every degree of obstinacy
in youth is one step to rebellion.'' --South.

From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)

obstinacy
n 1: the trait of being difficult to handle or overcome [syn: {stubbornness},
{obstinance}, {mulishness}]
2: resolute adherence to your own ideas or desires [syn: {stubbornness},
{bullheadedness}, {obstinance}, {pigheadedness}, {self-will}]


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