Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Sturdy \Stur"dy\, a. [Compar. {Sturdier}; superl. {Sturdiest}.]
   [OE. sturdi inconsiderable, OF. estourdi stunned, giddy,
   thoughtless, rash, F. ['e]tourdi, p. p. of OF. estourdir to
   stun, to render giddy, to amaze, F. ['e]tourdir; of uncertain
   origin. The sense has probably been influenced by E. stout.]
   1. Foolishly obstinate or resolute; stubborn; unrelenting;
      unfeeling; stern.

            This sturdy marquis gan his hearte dress To rue upon
            her wifely steadfastness.             --Chaucer.

            This must be done, and I would fain see Mortal so
            sturdy as to gainsay.                 --Hudibras.

            A sturdy, hardened sinner shall advance to the
            utmost pitch of impiety with less reluctance than he
            took the first steps.                 --Atterbury.

   2. Resolute, in a good sense; or firm, unyielding quality;
      as, a man of sturdy piety or patriotism.

   3. Characterized by physical strength or force; strong;
      lusty; violent; as, a sturdy lout.

            How bowed the woods beneath their sturdy stroke!
                                                  --Gray.

   4. Stiff; stout; strong; as, a sturdy oak. --Milton.

            He was not of any delicate contexture; his limbs
            rather sturdy than dainty.            --Sir H.
                                                  Wotton.

   Syn: Hardy; stout; strong; firm; robust; stiff.

Source : WordNet®

sturdy
     adj 1: having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or
            hardships; "hardy explorers of northern Canada";
            "proud of her tall stalwart son"; "stout seamen";
            "sturdy young athletes" [syn: {hardy}, {stalwart}, {stout}]
     2: substantially made or constructed; "sturdy steel shelves";
        "sturdy canvas"; "a tough all-weather fabric"; "some
        plastics are as tough as metal" [syn: {tough}]
     [also: {sturdiest}, {sturdier}]

sturdiest
     See {sturdy}