from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
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This sturdy marquis gan his hearte dress
To rue upon her wifely steadfastness. --Chaucer.
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This must be done, and I would fain see
Mortal so sturdy as to gainsay. --Hudibras.
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A sturdy, hardened sinner shall advance to the
utmost pitch of impiety with less reluctance than he
took the first steps. --Atterbury.
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2. Resolute, in a good sense; or firm, unyielding quality;
as, a man of sturdy piety or patriotism.
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3. Characterized by physical strength or force; strong;
lusty; violent; as, a sturdy lout.
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How bowed the woods beneath their sturdy stroke!
--Gray.
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4. Stiff; stout; strong; as, a sturdy oak. --Milton.
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He was not of any delicate contexture; his limbs
rather sturdy than dainty. --Sir H.
Wotton.
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Syn: Hardy; stout; strong; firm; robust; stiff.
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