adj.
Pronunciation: ' r ə -g ə d
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle English *rug
Date: 14th century
1 obsolete : SHAGGY , HAIRY
2 : having a rough uneven surface : JAGGED < rugged mountains>
3 : TURBULENT , STORMY < rugged weather>
4 a : seamed with wrinkles and furrows : WEATHERED ― used of a human face b : showing facial signs of strength < rugged good looks>
5 a : AUSTERE , STERN b : COARSE , RUDE c : rough and strong in character
6 a : presenting a severe test of ability, stamina, or resolution b : strongly built or constituted : ROBUST <those that survive are stalwart, rugged men ― L. D. Stamp>
synonyms see ROUGH
– rug · ged · ly adverb
– rug · ged · ness noun