hard-set

[ hahrd-set ]

adjective

1. firmly or rigidly set; fixed:

   a hard-set smile.

2. in a difficult position:

   The troops were hard-set before their supplies came.

3. determined; obstinate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hard-set¹

1400–50; late Middle English harde set

Example Sentences

The two men faced each other for a moment with flashing eyes, lowering brows, and hard-set jaws.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a powerfully made man of about sixty-five, with a solemn, hard-set face.

From Project Gutenberg

In short, my dear, I was so hard set, that I was obliged to come to a more favourable compromise with them than I had intended.

From Project Gutenberg

Draconmeyer waved the man away and walked up and down the apartment, his hands behind his back, his lips hard-set.

From Project Gutenberg

Fact is, they're a hard set over to Sidon, and the place is better known by the name of Sodom around here.'

From Project Gutenberg