having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships; "hardy explorers of northern Canada"; "proud of her tall stalwart son"; "stout seamen"; "sturdy young athletes"
used especially of persons; "a stalwart knight"; "a stouthearted fellow who had an active career in the army" dependable; "the stalwart citizens at Lexington"; "a stalwart supporter of the UN"; "stout hearts
A stalwart is a loyal worker or supporter of an organization, especially a political party. His free-trade policies aroused suspicion among Tory stalwarts
A stalwart supporter or worker is loyal, steady, and completely reliable. a stalwart supporter of the colonial government. someone who is very loyal to a particular organization or set of ideas, and works hard for them