Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STOUT, a. [D. stout, bold, stout, stooten, to push; Dan. stöder, to push; studser, to strut. The primary sense is to shoot forward or to swell.]

1. Strong; lusty. A stouter champion never handled sword. – Shak.
2. Bold; intrepid; valiant; brave. He lost the character of a bold, stout, magnanimous man. – Clarendon.
3. Large; bulky. [A popular use of the word.]
4. Proud; resolute; obstinate. The lords all stand to clear their cause, / Must resolutely stout. – Daniel.
5. Strong; firm; as, a stout vessel. – Dryden.