ˈhärdēnə̇s, ˈhȧd-, -din- noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English hardinesse, from hardy (I) + -nesse -ness
: the quality or state of being hardy: as
a. : capability of endurance or resistance
a race of great hardiness
specifically : the ability of a plant to survive under adverse conditions especially of low temperatures
b. : boldness , audacity , temerity
somewhere hardiness failed her — Elizabeth Bowen