hard-shell

[hahrd-shel]

adjective

1. Also hard-shelled having a firm, hard shell, as a crab in its normal state; not having recently molted.

2. rigid or uncompromising.

noun

1. hard-shell crab.

hard-shell

adjective

1. zoology having a shell or carapace that is thick, heavy, or hard

2. strictly orthodox

noun

1. another name for the quahog

Word History and Origins

Origin of hard-shell¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Related Words

• armor 
• defense 
• elephant skin www.thesaurus.com
• formidable defenses www.thesaurus.com
• rhinoceros hide www.thesaurus.com