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. -- 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.
© Webster 1913.