steely

comparative steelier · superlative steeliest

1. Having qualities resembling those of steel, especially hardness and resoluteness.

   steely grey hair

   3 more examples

   The bully backed down before his steely gaze.

   She would unarm her noble heart of that steely resistance against the sweet blows of love.

   The New Arcadia

   a. 1587, Philippe Sidnei [i.e., Philip Sidney], “(please specify the folio)”, in [Fulke Greville; Matthew Gwinne; John Florio], editors, The Countesse of Pembrokes Arcadia [The New Arcadia], London: […] [John Windet] for William Ponsonbie, published 1590, →OCLC

   Freddie Woodman was ultimately the hero after making a superb 74th-minute penalty save to deny Adalberto Peñaranda. Woodman, the son of former Northampton Town goalkeeper Andy and godson of Southgate, made a steely left-handed save from the spot-kick after Dominic Calvert-Lewin had given England a first-half lead.

   2017 June 11, Ben Fisher, “England seal Under-20 World Cup glory as Dominic Calvert-Lewin strikes”, in The Guardian

2. Made of steel.

   Around his shop the steely sparkles flew.

   [1716], [John] Gay, “(please specify the page)”, in Trivia: Or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London, London: […] Bernard Lintott, […], →OCLC

   2 more examples

   Broach'd with the steely point of Clifford's lance.

   c. 1591–1592 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Third Part of Henry the Sixt, […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene iii]

   And in the master's chambers / They gathered for the feast / They stab it with their steely knives / But they just can't kill the beast

   1977, “Hotel California”, in Don Henley, Glenn Frey (lyrics), Don Felder and Joe Walsh (music), Hotel California

   Synonyms: steelen

plural Steelys

1. A surname.