–adjective, -di·er, -di·est.
1.capable of enduring fatigue, hardship, exposure, etc.; sturdy; strong: hardy explorers of northern Canada.
2.(of plants) able to withstand the cold of winter in the open air.
3.requiring great physical courage, vigor, or endurance: the hardiest sports.
4.bold or daring; courageous: hardy soldiers.
5.unduly bold; presumptuous; foolhardy.
[Origin: 1175–1225; ME hardi < OF, ptp. of *hardir to harden, make brave < Gmc; cf. Goth -hardjan, OHG hartjan to harden]
—Synonyms 1. vigorous, robust, hale, stout, sound. 4. intrepid, resolute, brave.
—Antonyms 1. weak. 4. timid.
n]
–noun
any of numerous long-legged, long-necked, usually long-billed birds of the family Ardeidae, including the true herons, egrets, night herons, and bitterns.
[Origin: 1275–1325; ME heiro(u)n, hero(u)n < MF hairon (F héron) < Gmc; cf. OHG heigir]
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.