Sturdy

Stur"dy (?), a. [Compar. Sturdier (?); superl. Sturdiest.] [OE. sturdi inconsiderable, OF. estourdi stunned, giddy, thoughtless, rash, F. étourdi, p. p. of OF. estourdir to stun, to render giddy, to amaze, F. étourdir; 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.

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

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

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!

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

He was not of any delicate contexture; his limbs rather sturdy than dainty.

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

Stur"dy (?), n. [OF. estourdi giddiness, stupefaction.] (Vet.) A disease in sheep and cattle, marked by great nervousness, or by dullness and stupor.