I. ˈstȯlwə(r)]t sometimes -ˌwȯr]t or -ˌwȯ(ə)]; usu ]d.+V adjective
Etymology: Middle English, alteration of stalworth, from Old English stǣlwierthe serviceable, probably contraction of statholwierthe, from stathol base, foundation, support + wierthe worth — more at staddle , worth
1. : stout , sturdy
stalwart sons … well over six feet tall, lean, long, and resilient — Green Peyton
the stalwart wall of the castle
2. : brave , valiant , resolute
a number of stalwart men and women who, not counting the cost to themselves, reported on … activities to the police — L.S.B.Leakey
Synonyms: see strong
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from stalwart (I)
1. : a sturdy or resolute person
2.
a. : an unwavering partisan (as in politics)
have stalwarts in both major political parties and have always chipped in heavily to both national campaign coffers — Harry Conn
b. usually capitalized : one of a faction of the Republican party between 1869 and 1877 having a very strong machine and subsequently opposing civil-service reform and conciliation toward the South — compare half-breed 2a