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. 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. Characterized 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. Milton.
He was not of any delicate contexture; his limbs rather sturdy than dainty. Sir H. Wotton.
Syn. — Hardy; stout; strong; firm; robust; stiff.