burly
UK: ˈbɜːli | US: ˈbɜːrli
adj. (of a person) large, strong, and heavily built
adj. (archaic) sturdy or robust in appearance
The word "burly" traces back to Middle English borlich or burly, derived from Old English byrlic ("noble, stately"), which originally referred to something knotty or lumpy (like a burl on a tree). Over time, the meaning shifted to emphasize physical robustness, likely influenced by the visual association of a burl's dense, sturdy growth. The modern sense of "heavily built" emerged by the 16th century, retaining the connotation of strength.
The burly security guard stood firmly at the entrance.
He was a burly man with broad shoulders and a thick beard.
The blacksmith’s burly arms swung the hammer effortlessly.
Despite his burly appearance, he moved with surprising grace.
The burly oak tree had survived centuries of storms.