English edit

Etymology edit

From iron +‎ bound.

Adjective edit

ironbound (comparative more ironbound, superlative most ironbound)

  1. Bound with iron, ironclad.
  2. (figurative) Rugged.
    an ironbound coast
    • 1820, [Charles Robert Maturin], Melmoth the Wanderer: A Tale. [], volume I, Edinburgh: [] Archibald Constable and Company, and Hurst, Robinson, and Co., [], →OCLC, page 150:
      He rose and went down to the kitchen, where he knew a fire was burning, and there the terrified servants were all assembled, all agreeing, as the blast came roaring down the chimney, they never had witnessed such a storm, and between the gusts, breathing shuddering prayers for those who were “out at sea that night.” The vicinity of Melmoth’s house to what seamen call an iron-bound coast, gave a dreadful sincerity to their prayers and their fears.
  3. (figurative) Rigid, unyielding.
    ironbound traditions

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