Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Stubborn \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.

Source : WordNet®

stubbornness
     n 1: the trait of being difficult to handle or overcome [syn: {obstinacy},
           {obstinance}, {mulishness}]
     2: resolute adherence to your own ideas or desires [syn: {bullheadedness},
         {obstinacy}, {obstinance}, {pigheadedness}, {self-will}]