(a) Constant, steadfast; also, steadfast in virtue, virtuous; ~ and stedfast, stedfast (ferm, etc.) and ~; ~ in feith (bileve), ~ of bileve; (b) of a lover: faithful, true; of love: durable, enduring; (c) resolute, unflinching; courageous; also, as noun: bold men [quot.: a1400]; ~ of herte, courageous; harden ~ face, to become resolute; (d) of faith, piety, etc.: steadfastly maintained, unwavering, firm; (e) eccl. ~ dwellinge, the perseverance in monastic life avowed by members of the Benedictine order.

(a) Unchanging, invariable; of God: immutable; of Mary: changeless; also, as noun: an unchanging condition, stability [quot. c1450(1410)]; (b) fixed, unmovable; stationary, unmoving; also, resistant to extrinsic force [quots. a1398 *Trev.Barth.15a/a & a1425(?a1350)]; (c) lasting, permanent; unfading in color.

In similes; ~ as.

(a) Of even temperament, equanimous; of a countenance: composed; ~ age, maturity; (b) of a voice, hands, etc.: steady, firm, unwavering; also, of the scalp: ?firm to the touch; ~ lokinge, a fixed gaze; (c) of a place: quiet, restful; of the sea: calm; (d) of an ox: unexcitable, stolid.

(a) Trustworthy, reliable; of the world: dependable; (b) prudent, judicious, reasonable; just; also, sufficiently fair [quot. c1450]; of words: reasoned, well-chosen; of a mind: well-ordered, logically disposed, sound; (c) certain, sure.

(a) Well-founded, secure; of institutions, a reign, royal line, etc.: well-established; of a person: safe, secure; (b) of bequests, treaties, etc.: confirmed, ratified; of a law, command, etc.: binding; also, put into execution, carried out; also, as noun, in phrase: for ~, as something binding; maken ~, to execute (the terms of a law).