| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ adjective
1. : very deeply inculcated : made in essential of an overall character
his bred-in-the-bone honesty
the bred-in-the-bone frugality of the peasantry
2. : marked by a quality, trait, or belief that is inveterate, deep, lasting, and genuine
a bred-in-the-bone believer in the old religion
a bred-in-the-bone gambler