— heartiness , n.
/hahr"tee/ , adj., heartier, heartiest , n. , pl. hearties .
adj.
1. warm-hearted; affectionate; cordial; jovial: a hearty welcome.
2. genuine; sincere; heartfelt: hearty approval; hearty dislike.
3. completely devoted; wholehearted: hearty support.
4. exuberant; unrestrained: hearty laughter.
5. violent; forceful: a hearty push; a hearty kick.
6. physically vigorous; strong and well: hale and hearty.
7. substantial; abundant; nourishing: a hearty meal.
8. enjoying or requiring abundant food: a hearty appetite.
9. (of soil) fertile.
n. Archaic.
10. a brave or good fellow, esp. with reference to a shipmate.
11. a sailor.
[ 1350-1400; ME herti. See HEART, -Y 1 ]