| doughty | Able; strong; valiant; redoubtable; as, a doughty hero. "Sir Thopas wex [grew] a doughty swain." (Chaucer) "Doughty families, hugging old musty quarrels to their hearts, buffet each other from generation to generation." (Motley) Now seldom used, except in irony or burlesque. Origin: OE. Duhti, dohti, douhti, brave, valiant, fit, useful, AS, dyhtig; akin to G. Tuchtig, Dan. Dygtig, Sw. Dygdig virtuous, and fr. AS. Dugan to avail, be of use, be strong, akin to D. Deugen, OHG. Tugan, G. Taugen, Icel. & Sw. Duga, Dan. Due, Goth. Dugan, but of uncertain origin; cf. Skr. Duh to milk, give milk, draw out, or Gr. Fortune. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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