the.com/stalwart
The friend who shows up for the move, not just the party.
means Someone (or something) dependably strong, loyal, and firm, especially in hard times.
from From Old English stælwierþe, a compound likely meaning 'stealworthy' — worth stealing, i.e. good enough to steal, a back-handed compliment for sturdy, valuable things. It's related to Old English stæl ('place, stead') and the idea of 'standing one's place well.' The word traveled through Scots as 'stalwart' before settling into standard English meaning steadfast and robust.
- origin
- from old english for place plus standing
- original meaning
- literally built like a sturdy pillar
- usage shift
- from physical brawn to loyal reliability
- typical use
- describes defenders, not quitters