\Dough"ty\, a. [Compar. {Doughtier}; superl.
{Doughtiest}.] [OE. duhti, dohti, douhti, brave, valiant,
fit, useful, AS, dyhtig; akin to G. t["u]chtig, Dan. dygtig,
Sw. dygdig virtuous, and fr. AS. dugan to avail, be of use,
be strong, akin to D. deugen, OHG. tugan, G. taugen, Icel. &
Sw. duga, Dan. due, Goth. dugan, but of uncertain origin; cf.
Skr. duh to milk, give milk, draw out, or Gr. ? fortune. ?.]
Able; strong; valiant; redoubtable; as, a doughty hero.
      Sir Thopas wex [grew] a doughty swain.   --Chaucer.
      Doughty families, hugging old musty quarrels to their
      hearts, buffet each other from generation to
      generation.                              --Motley.
Note: Now seldom used, except in irony or burlesque.