hard-set, a.
[f. set pa. pple.]
1. In a hard or difficult position; beset by difficulty or trouble.
| 1387 Trevisa Higden (Rolls) IV. 55 Þere Hanibal was harde sette [infestatus] foure dayes wiþ Galles. c 1475 Rauf Coilȝear 449, I sall hald that I haue hecht, bot I be hard set. 1737 Bracken Farriery Impr. (1756) I. 254 The poor Creature is very hard set to drive his Water from him. 1890 Boldrewood Col. Reformer (1891) 221, I have sent for some books..Until they arrive, I shall be rather hard-set. |
2. Set so as to be hard or firm.
| 1813 Sir R. Wilson Diary II. 448 More like Egypt's alluvium during the inundation than hard-set soil. 1890 Nature 16 Oct. 602/1 Beds of rigid lava and hard-set ash. |
b. Of eggs: That have been subject to incubation.
| 1879 Jefferies Wild Life in S. Co. 339 Some say it is the hardset eggs he [the snake] prefers. |
c. Of the features, etc.: Rigidly set.
| 1855 Tennyson Maud i. iv. iv, I..smile a hard-set smile, like a stoic. |
3. Determined, obstinate.
| 1818 Scott Hrt. Midl. xiii, It's a hard-set willyard beast this o' mine. |