Stur"dy (?), a. [Compar. Sturdier (?); superl. Sturdiest.] [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.] 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.
© Webster 1913.
Stur"dy (?), n. [OF. estourdi giddiness, stupefaction.] Vet. A disease in sheep and cattle, marked by great nervousness, or by dullness and stupor.
© Webster 1913. | 
