hard-handed

or hard·hand·ed

[ hahrd-han-did ]

adjective

1. oppressive or tyrannical; stern or cruel.
2. having hands hardened by toil.

Other Words From

• hard-handed·ness hardhanded·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hard-handed¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

A couple of hard-handed caissoniers, settling down to some serious drinking.

From Project Gutenberg

These hard-handed men are developing this region, earning a livelihood for themselves and enriching those who employ them.

From Project Gutenberg

One of my neighbors, a thorough American, is much concerned about the growth of what he calls the "hard-handed aristocracy."

From Project Gutenberg

I AM not an old and experienced farmer, nor a tiller of the soil, nor one of the hard-handed sons of labor.

From Project Gutenberg

The largest soul of all the British lands came among us in the shape of a hard-handed Scottish Peasant.

From Project Gutenberg