01 a. Firm as a stub or stump; stiff; unbending; unyielding; persistent; hence, unreasonably obstinate in will or opinion; not yielding to reason…
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1.
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.“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.