\Ro*bust"\, a. [L. robustus oaken, hard, strong, fr.
robur strength, a very hard kind of oak; cf. Skr. rabhas
violence: cf. F. robuste.]
1. Evincing strength; indicating vigorous health; strong;
   sinewy; muscular; vigorous; sound; as, a robust body;
   robust youth; robust health.



2. Violent; rough; rude.

         While romp-loving miss Is hauled about in gallantry
         robust.                               --Thomson.

3. Requiring strength or vigor; as, robust employment.
   --Locke.

Syn: Strong; lusty; sinewy; sturdy; muscular; hale; hearty;
     vigorous; forceful; sound.

Usage: {Robust}, {Strong}. Robust means, literally, made of
       oak, and hence implies great compactness and toughness
       of muscle, connected with a thick-set frame and great
       powers of endurance. Strong denotes the power of
       exerting great physical force. The robust man can bear
       heat or cold, excess or privation, and toil on through
       every kind of hardship; the strong man can lift a
       great weight, can give a heavy blow, and a hard gripe.
       ``Robust, tough sinews bred to toil.'' --Cowper.

             Then 'gan the villain wax so fierce and strong,
             That nothing may sustain his furious force.
                                               --Spenser.