[rig.id] adj [ME rigide, fr. MF or L; MF, fr. L rigidus, fr. rigere to be stiff] (15c) 1 a: deficient in or devoid of flexibility "~ price controls" "a ~ bar of metal" b: appearing stiff and unyielding "his face ~ with pain"
2. a: inflexibly set in opinion b: strictly observed "adheres to a ~ schedule"
3: firmly inflexible rather than lax or indulgent "a ~ disciplinarian"
4: precise and accurate in procedure "~ control of the manufacturing process"
5. of an airship: having the outer shape maintained by a fixed framework -- rig.id.ly adv -- rig.id.ness n syn rigid, rigorous, strict, stringent mean extremely severe or stern. rigid implies uncompromising inflexibility "rigid rules of conduct". rigorous implies the imposition of hardship and difficulty "the rigorous training of recruits". strict emphasizes undeviating conformity to rules, standards, or requirements "strict enforcement of the law". stringent suggests severe, tight restriction or limitation "stringent standards of admission". syn see in addition stiff