hard-bitten

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

hard-bitten
    adj 1: tough and callous by virtue of experience [syn: {hard-
           bitten}, {hard-boiled}, {pugnacious}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

hard-bitten \hard-bitten\ hard-boiled \hard-boiled\adj.
   not given to sentimentality or gentleness; -- of people; as,
   a hard-bitten character.

   Syn: pugnacious, tough.
        [WordNet 1.5 +PJC]