from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Stubborn \Stub"born\, a. [OE. stoburn, stiborn; probably fr. AS.
styb a stub. See {Stub}.]
Firm as a stub or stump; stiff; unbending; unyielding;
persistent; hence, unreasonably obstinate in will or opinion;
not yielding to reason or persuasion; refractory; harsh; --
said of persons and things; as, stubborn wills; stubborn ore;
a stubborn oak; as stubborn as a mule. "Bow, stubborn knees."
--Shak. "Stubborn attention and more than common
application." --Locke. "Stubborn Stoics." --Swift.
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And I was young and full of ragerie [wantonness]
Stubborn and strong, and jolly as a pie. --Chaucer.
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These heretics be so stiff and stubborn. --Sir T. More.
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Your stubborn usage of the pope. --Shak.
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Syn: Obstinate; inflexible; obdurate; headstrong; stiff;
hardy; firm; refractory; intractable; rugged;
contumacious; heady.
Usage: {Stubborn}, {Obstinate}. Obstinate is used of either
active or passive persistence in one's views or
conduct, in spite of the wishes of others. Stubborn
describes an extreme degree of passive obstinacy. --
{Stub"born*ly}, adv. -- {Stub"born*ness}, n.
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