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sturdy

1. Foolishly obstinate or resolute; stubborn; unrelenting; unfeeling; stern. This sturdy marquis gan his hearte dress To rue upon her wifely steadfastness. (Chaucer) This must be done, and I would fain see mortal so sturdy as to gainsay. (Hudibras) A sturdy, hardened sinner shall advance to the utmost pitch of impiety with less reluctance than he took the first steps. (Atterbury)

2. Resolute, in a good sense; or firm, unyielding quality; as, a man of sturdy piety or patriotism.

3. Characterised by physical strength or force; strong; lusty; violent; as, a sturdy lout. How bowed the woods beneath their sturdy stroke! (gray)

4. Stiff; stout; strong; as, a sturdy oak. He was not of any delicate contexture; his limbs rather sturdy than dainty. (Sir H. Wotton)

Synonym: hardy, stout, strong, firm, robust, stiff.

Origin: OE. Sturdi inconsiderable, OF. Estourdi stunned, giddy, thoughtless, rash, F. Etourdi, p.p. Of OF. Estourdir to stun, to render giddy, to amaze, F. Etourdir; of uncertain origin. The sense has probably been influenced by E. Stout.

Origin: OF. Estourdi giddiness, stupefaction] A disease in sheep and cattle, marked by great nervousness, or by dullness and stupor.