adj. 1 (of ground or terrain) having a rough uneven surface. 2 (of features) strongly marked; irregular in outline. 3 a unpolished; lacking gentleness or refinement (rugged grandeur). b harsh in sound. c austere, unbending (rugged honesty). d involving hardship (a rugged life). 4 (esp. of a machine) robust, sturdy. ruggedly adv. ruggedness n.
[ ME, prob. f. Scand.: cf. RUG, and Sw. rugga, roughen ]