Ob"sti*na*cy\, n. [See Obstinate.]1. A fixedness in will, opinion, or resolution that can not be shaken at all, or only with great difficulty; firm and usually unreasonable adherence to an opinion, purpose, or system; unyielding disposition; stubborness; pertinacity; persistency; contumacy. You do not well in obstinacy To cavil in the course of this contract. --Shak. To shelter their ignorance, or obstinacy, under the obscurity of their terms. --Locke. 2. The quality or state of being difficult to remedy, relieve, or subdue; as, the obstinacy of a disease or evil. Syn: Pertinacity; firmness; resoluteness; inflexibility; persistency; stubbornness; perverseness; contumacy. Usage: Obstinacy, Pertinacity. Pertinacity denotes great firmness in holding to a thing, aim, etc. Obstinacy is great firmness in holding out against persuasion, attack, etc. The former consists in adherence, the latter in resistance. An opinion is advocated with pertinacity or defended with obstinacy. Pertinacity is often used in a good sense; obstinacy generally in a bad one. "In this reply was included a very gross mistake, and if with pertinacity maintained, a capital error." --Sir T. Browne. "Every degree of obstinacy in youth is one step to rebellion." --South.
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