\Stub"born\, a. [OE. stoburn, stiborn; probably fr. AS.
styb a stub. See {Stub}.]
Firm as a stub or stump; stiff; unbending; unyielding;
persistent; hence, unreasonably obstinate in will or opinion;
not yielding to reason or persuasion; refractory; harsh; --
said of persons and things; as, stubborn wills; stubborn ore;
a stubborn oak; as stubborn as a mule. ``Bow, stubborn
knees.'' --Shak. ``Stubborn attention and more than common
application.'' --Locke. ``Stubborn Stoics.'' --Swift.
      And I was young and full of ragerie [wantonness]
      Stubborn and strong, and jolly as a pie. --Chaucer.
      These heretics be so stiff and stubborn. --Sir T. More.
      Your stubborn usage of the pope.         --Shak.
Syn: Obstinate; inflexible; obdurate; headstrong; stiff;
     hardy; firm; refractory; intractable; rugged;
     contumacious; heady.
Usage: {Stubborn}, {Obstinate}. Obstinate is used of either
       active or passive persistence in one's views or
       conduct, in spite of the wishes of others. Stubborn
       describes an extreme degree of passive obstinacy. --
       {Stub"born*ly}, adv. -- {Stub"born*ness}, n.