Stiff, a.

a. [compar. STIFFER; superl. STIFFEST.] [A.-S. stif, Dan. stiv, Sw. styf, Icel. styfr, L. Ger. stief, D. stif, N. H. Ger. stief, O. H. Ger. stif.] 1. Not easily bent; not flexible or pliant; not flaccid; rigid; as, stiff wood; stiff paper. They, rising on stiff pinions, tower The mid aerial sky. Milton.

2. Not liquid or fluid; thick and tenacious; inspissated; not soft nor hard; as, the paste is stiff.
3. Impetuous in motion; strong; violent; as, a stiff gale or breeze.
4. Not easily subdued; firm in resistance or perseverance; stubborn; obstinate; pertinacious.

It is a shame to stand stiff in a foolish argument. Taylor. A war ensues; the Cretans own their cause, Stiff to defend their hospitable laws. Dryden. 5. Not natural and easy; formal in manner; constrained; affected; starched; as, stiff behavior. The French are open, familiar, and talkative; the Italians stiff, ceremonious, and reserved. Addison.

6. Strongly maintained, or asserted with good evidence. [Obs.] “This is stiff news.” Shak.
7. (Naut.) Bearing a press of canvas without careening much; as, a stiff vessel;—opposed to crank. Totten.

Syn.—Rigid; inflexible; strong; hardy; stubborn; obstinate; pertinacious; harsh; formal; constrained; affected; starched; rigorous.