burly

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   large, strongly built, and muscular

   A burly security guard stood beside the entrance.

Appears in

From Middle English burly, burely, or borly, which meant 'stately, noble, or imposing.' Its deeper origin is uncertain, though it may be connected with an Old English formation meaning 'bower-like' or 'lofty.' The sense shifted from imposing appearance to the modern idea of a large, sturdy build.

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