sturdy

sturdy
sturdy c.1300, "hard to manage, reckless, violent," from O.Fr. estourdi "violent," originally "dazed," pp. of estourdir "to daze," from V.L. *exturdire, which is presumed to be from L. intensive prefix ex + turdus "thrush." Perhaps the notion is of thrushes eating leftover grapes at wineries and acting drunk (It. tordo "thrush" also means "simpleton," and Fr. has the expression soûl comme une grive "drunk as a thrush"). OED, however, regards all this as "open to grave objection." Sense of "solidly built, strong and hardy" first recorded late 14c.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • Sturdy — Stur dy, a. [Compar. {Sturdier}; superl. {Sturdiest}.] [OE. sturdi inconsiderable, OF. estourdi stunned, giddy, thoughtless, rash, F. [ e]tourdi, p. p. of OF. estourdir to stun, to render giddy, to amaze, F. [ e]tourdir; of uncertain origin. The… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • sturdy — ► ADJECTIVE (sturdier, sturdiest) 1) strongly and solidly built or made. 2) confident and determined: a sturdy independence. DERIVATIVES sturdily adverb sturdiness noun. ORIGIN originally in the senses «reckless, violent» a …   English terms dictionary

  • sturdy — sturdy1 [stʉr′dē] adj. sturdier, sturdiest [ME, defiant, refractory, hardy < OFr estourdi, stunned, reckless (basic sense “hard to influence or control”) < VL * exturdire, to be dizzy (? from too much chattering) < L ex , intens. +… …   English World dictionary

  • Sturdy — Stur dy, n. [OF. estourdi giddiness, stupefaction.] (Vet.) A disease in sheep and cattle, marked by great nervousness, or by dullness and stupor. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • sturdy — index durable, firm, indestructible, inexpugnable, solid (sound), stable, strong Burton s Legal Thesaurus …   Law dictionary

  • sturdy — *stout, *strong, stalwart, tough, tenacious Analogous words: sound, robust, *healthy: *vigorous, energetic, lusty: dogged, pertinacious (see OBSTINATE) Antonyms: decrepit …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • sturdy — [adj] solid, durable athletic, built to last*, bulky, determined, firm, flourishing, hardy, hearty, hefty, hulking, husky, lusty, muscular, powerful, powerhouse*, resolute, robust, rugged, secure, sound, stalwart, staunch, steadfast, stiff, stout …   New thesaurus

  • sturdy — stur|dy [ˈstə:di US ˈstə:r ] adj comparative sturdier superlative sturdiest [Date: 1200 1300; : Old French; Origin: estourdi stupidly brave, stunned , from estourdir to stun , from Vulgar Latin exturdire to behave like a thrush that has got drunk …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • sturdy — adjective 1 someone who is sturdy is strong, short, and healthy looking: a sturdy young man | sturdy legs 2 an object that is sturdy is strong, well made, and not easily broken: a sturdy wall 3 determined and not easily persuaded to change your… …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • sturdy — sturdy1 sturdily, adv. sturdiness, n. /sterr dee/, adj., sturdier, sturdiest. 1. strongly built; stalwart; robust: sturdy young athletes. 2. strong, as in substance, construction, or texture: sturdy walls. 3. firm; courageous; indomitable: t …   Universalium

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