hardy 1
/hahr"dee/ , adj., hardier, hardiest .
1. capable of enduring fatigue, hardship, exposure, etc.; sturdy; strong: hardy explorers of northern Canada.
2. (of plants) able to withstand the cold of winter in the open air.
3. requiring great physical courage, vigor, or endurance: the hardiest sports.
4. bold or daring; courageous: hardy soldiers.
5. unduly bold; presumptuous; foolhardy.
[ 1175-1225; ME hardi hardir to harden, make brave -hardjan, OHG hartjan to harden ]
Syn. 1. vigorous, robust, hale, stout, sound. 4. intrepid, resolute, brave.
Ant. 1. weak. 4. timid.
hardy 2
/hahr"dee/ , n. , pl. hardies .
a chisel or fuller with a square shank for insertion into a square hole (hardy hole) in a blacksmith's anvil.
[ 1865-70; HARD + -Y 2 ]