hard-bitten

[ hahrd-bit-n ]

adjective

1. tough; stubborn.
2. conditioned by battle or struggle:

   a hard-bitten army.

3. grim or severe in judgment or attitude:

   a hard-bitten old teacher.

4. hard-boiled ( defs 2, 3 ).

hard-bitten

adjective

1. tough and realistic

Word History and Origins

Origin of hard-bitten¹

First recorded in 1775–85