a. [ Compar. Doughtier superl. Doughtiest. ] [ OE. duhti, dohti, douhti, brave, valiant, fit, useful, AS. dyhtig; akin to G. tüchtig, 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. ty`chh fortune. √68. ] Able; strong; valiant; redoubtable; as, a doughty hero. [ 1913 Webster ]

Sir Thopas wex [ grew ] a doughty swain. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

Doughty families, hugging old musty quarrels to their hearts, buffet each other from generation to generation. Motley. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Now seldom used, except in irony or burlesque. [ 1913 Webster ]