(soil) hard and compact; (clothing) flat and crisp; (body) hale and hearty
Meanings
3 senses · 7 examplesadjective
hard and compact; firm and solid
dialectSpecifically describes soil that is hard-packed, difficult to dig, and infertile.
This land is too hard and compact; it's really tiring to hoe.
The ground is too hard and solid, and the crops barely grow.
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Sandy soil is loose, while clay soil is hard and compact.
adjective
flat and crisp; neatly pressed
dialectDescribes objects like clothing, book covers, or paper that are neat, flat, and have a stiff, unwrinkled appearance.
He ironed his shirt until it was perfectly crisp and flat, without a single wrinkle.
The fabric of this new jacket is very crisp and stiff.
adjective
hale and hearty; robust and strong
dialectUsed especially for elderly people to describe a robust and healthy physical condition.
The old man is over eighty, but his frame is still quite robust and sturdy.
Don't be fooled by his age; his body is very hale and hearty.