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. [ 1913 Webster ]

This sturdy marquis gan his hearte dress
To rue upon her wifely steadfastness. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

This must be done, and I would fain see
Mortal so sturdy as to gainsay. Hudibras. [ 1913 Webster ]

A sturdy, hardened sinner shall advance to the utmost pitch of impiety with less reluctance than he took the first steps. Atterbury. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Resolute, in a good sense; or firm, unyielding quality; as, a man of sturdy piety or patriotism. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Characterized by physical strength or force; strong; lusty; violent; as, a sturdy lout. [ 1913 Webster ]

How bowed the woods beneath their sturdy stroke! Gray. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Stiff; stout; strong; as, a sturdy oak. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

He was not of any delicate contexture; his limbs rather sturdy than dainty. Sir H. Wotton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Hardy; stout; strong; firm; robust; stiff. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ OF. estourdi giddiness, stupefaction. ] (Vet.) A disease in sheep and cattle, marked by great nervousness, or by dullness and stupor. [ 1913 Webster ]