\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 sense has probably been influenced by E. stout.]
1. Foolishly obstinate or resolute; stubborn; unrelenting;
   unfeeling; stern.
         This sturdy marquis gan his hearte dress To rue upon
         her wifely steadfastness.             --Chaucer.
         This must be done, and I would fain see Mortal so
         sturdy as to gainsay.                 --Hudibras.
         A sturdy, hardened sinner shall advance to the
         utmost pitch of impiety with less reluctance than he
         took the first steps.                 --Atterbury.
2. Resolute, in a good sense; or firm, unyielding quality;
   as, a man of sturdy piety or patriotism.
3. Characterized by physical strength or force; strong;
   lusty; violent; as, a sturdy lout.
         How bowed the woods beneath their sturdy stroke!
                                               --Gray.
4. Stiff; stout; strong; as, a sturdy oak. --Milton.
         He was not of any delicate contexture; his limbs
         rather sturdy than dainty.            --Sir H.
                                               Wotton.
Syn: Hardy; stout; strong; firm; robust; stiff.

\Stur"dy\, n. [OF. estourdi giddiness, stupefaction.]
(Vet.)
A disease in sheep and cattle, marked by great nervousness,
or by dullness and stupor.