Etymology: It comes from Latin word "robustus-a-um", strong and hardy , originally oaken, from robor, robus, hard timber and strenght, it's also a special kind of oak "robur oak", named for its reddish heartwood.
Robustious, 1540s, was a common form in XVII century, in Hamlet, act III.2; it fell from use by middle XVIII century, but was somewhat revived by antiquarian writers.
It's define as:
- having or exhibiting strength or vigorous health
- having or showing vigor, strength, or firmness <a robust debate> <a robust faith>
- strongly formed or constructed <a robust plastic>
- capable of performing without failure under a wide range of conditions, "robust software"
- requiring strength or vigor "robust work"
- of, relating to, resembling, or being a relatively large, heavyset australopithecine (especially Australopithecus robustus and A. boisei) characterized especially by heavy molars and small incisors adapted to a vegetarian diet.
