a. [ L. obduratus, p. p. of obdurare to harden; ob (see Ob-)+ durare to harden, durus hard. See Dure. ] 1. Hardened in feelings, esp. against moral or mollifying influences; unyielding; hard-hearted; stubbornly wicked. [ 1913 Webster ] The very custom of evil makes the heart obdurate against whatsoever instructions to the contrary. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ] Art thou obdurate, flinty, hard as steel,
Nay, more than flint, for stone at rain relenteth? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Hard; harsh; rugged; rough; intractable. “Obdurate consonants.” Swift. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ Sometimes accented on the second syllable, especially by the older poets. [ 1913 Webster ] There is no flesh in man's obdurate heart. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Hard; firm; unbending; inflexible; unyielding; stubborn; obstinate; impenitent; callous; unfeeling; insensible; unsusceptible. -- Obdurate, Callous, Hardened. Callous denotes a deadening of the sensibilities; as, a callous conscience. Hardened implies a general and settled disregard for the claims of interest, duty, and sympathy; as, hardened in vice. Obdurate implies an active resistance of the heart and will aganst the pleadings of compassion and humanity. [ 1913 Webster ] -- Ob"du*rate*ly adv. -- Ob"du*rate*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ] | 