a. Obs. = FOOLHARDY.
1533. Frith, Answ. to More, L vij b. I can not be so folishe hardy as to condempne suche an infinite nombre for oure prelates pleasures.
a. 1632. T. Taylor, God’s Judgem., I. I. vii. (1642), 15. Yet was he so malitious and foolish hardy, as to take up armour against them, and to meet them to bid them battell.
absol. 1561. Daus, trans. Bullinger on Apoc. (1573), 15. The Lord Christ confirmeth such as are ready to fall, establisheth those that stand, comforteth the weake harted, restreyneth the foolishhardy, & preserueth thynges that are corrupt.
Hence † Foolish-hardiness, foolhardiness.
1525. Ld. Berners, Froiss., II. ccxvii. (1812), 670. Their valyauntnesse turneth to folyssh hardynes, for they shall be all slayne or taken.
1578. Rich, Allarme to Eng., I i b (marg.). Not valiaunce, but foolish hardinesse.
