hard-case

[ hahrd-keys ]
/ ˈhɑrdˌkeɪs /

adjective

rough and hard-bitten: hard-case juvenile delinquents.

Origin of hard-case

First recorded in 1915–20

Words nearby hard-case

hard-asset, hard-bill, hard-bitten, hard-boil, hard-boiled, hard-case, hard-coated, hard-core, hard-edge, hard-edged, hard-faced

Definition for hard-case (2 of 2)

hard case

noun

a rough, hard-bitten person.

Origin of hard case

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example sentences from the Web for hard-case

  • Suddenly, the vendor dropped his hard-case bangbanger facade.

    Makers |Cory Doctorow

  • Donald smiled to himself at the thought of the hard-case Bluenose mate having a penchant for chocolate “fudge.”

    The Viking Blood |Frederick William Wallace