1892 Frank Millet: I write in this way to urge you to be explicit and flat-footed in your wishes. Quoted in: 2003 Erik Larson, The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America'', ISBN 0609608444, page 177.
to firmly hold and maintain a decision; to stand one's ground
Hyphenation
to firm·ly hold and main·tain a decision; to stand one's ground