stalwart

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The Word of the Day for March 31 is:

stalwart   \STAWL-wert\   adjective
     : marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, 
or spirit

Example sentence:
     Although they were poorly equipped, the people of 
Greenville proved to be stalwart souls, and they worked through 
the night to save the dam and prevent a terrible flood.

Did you know?
     Sometime in the 15th century, English speakers began to 
use "stalwart" in place of the older form "stalworth." 
Although "stalworth" is now archaic, it laid the groundwork for 
today's meaning of "stalwart." In the 12th century, "stalworth" 
began to be used to describe strongly built people or animals (a 
meaning "stalwart" took on about two centuries later).  It also 
came to be used as an adjective for persons who showed bravery 
or courage (likewise, a meaning passed on to "stalwart"). So, in 
a way, "stalwart" has been serviceable in keeping the spirit 
of "stalworth" alive. This character of "stalwart" is true to 
its roots. "Stalworth" came from the Old English 
word "staelwierthe" (meaning "serviceable"), which, in turn, is 
thought to come from terms meaning "foundation" and "worth."