Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective superlative form of stern: most stern.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • These Tales are perhaps as open to that charge as any of his; and, moreover, not principally made up of that 'sternest' stuff which Byron celebrated as being most characteristic of him.

    Letters of Edward FitzGerald in Two Volumes Vol. II Edward FitzGerald 1846

  • Jol, while acknowledging this as his side's sternest test of the season to date, will rest some first-team players against Dnipro with Sunday's trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers in mind.

    Fulham's Martin Jol promises due respect for Dnipro's Juande Ramos 2011

  • Bahrain gave its sternest warning yet to Iran to keep out of its affairs, saying an escalation in the two countries' dispute over Bahrain's recent crackdown on political unrest could even lead to "conflict."

    World Watch 2011

  • MANAMA—Bahrain gave its sternest warning yet to Iran to keep out of its affairs, saying an escalation in the two countries' dispute over Bahrain's recent crackdown on political unrest could even lead to "conflict."

    Bahrain Says Meddling by Iran Risks 'Conflict' Alex Delmar-Morgan 2011

  • I could scarcely keep from laughing in his face, the whole thing was so ludicrous; but I managed to look my haughtiest, and sternest, and fiercest, while I superintended the deck-cleansing.

    CHAPTER XLV 2010

  • Many believed Hardy's sternest career test arrived the night he lost to St-Pierre, but I suspect he has far bigger challenges waiting just around the corner.

    Elliot Worsell: In Defense of Takedown Defense Elliot Worsell 2011

  • The filly may very well be better than the 3-year-old colts this season, but she will have a tough trip and faces by far her sternest test to date.

    Guide to Preakness picks from pros and computer 2009

  • She was two years his senior, and had long ranked as an old maid She had taught school, and was known by the young generation as the sternest disciplinarian in its experience.

    THE PRODIGAL FATHER 2010

  • Many believed Hardy's sternest career test arrived the night he lost to St-Pierre, but I suspect he has far bigger challenges waiting just around the corner.

    Elliot Worsell: In Defense of Takedown Defense Elliot Worsell 2011

  • He had been cadged for drinks before by the old cannibal, and the sternest tambo Grief and McTavish had laid down was the one forbidding alcohol to the natives of New Gibbon.

    THE JOKERS OF NEW GIBBON 2010

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