I. ˈhärdē, ˈhȧd-, -di adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English hardy, hardi, from Old French hardi, from past participle of (assumed) Old French hardir to make hard, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English hierdan to make hard, Middle Dutch harden, herden, Old High German herten, Old Norse hertha, Gothic ga hardjan; causative-denominative from the root of English hard (I)
1. : bold , daring , brave , resolute
displayed a hardy intrepid spirit
2. : full of assurance or presumption : audacious , brazen
3.
a. : inured to fatigue or hardships : capable of endurance : strong , robust
the boys were hardy , robust … little fellows — Samuel Butler †1902
small and hardy ponies — American Guide Series: Louisiana
b. : capable of living outdoors over winter without artificial protection or of withstanding other adverse conditions (as insufficient or excessive light, excessive moisture, drought, lack of nourishing food)
hardy plants
a hardy breed of cattle
— compare half-hardy , tender
II.
variant of hardie