Doughty, a. [Compar. Doughtier; superl. Doughtiest.]
Etymology: [OE. duhti, dohti, douhti, brave, valiant, fit, useful, AS, dyhtig; akin to G. tüchtig, Dan. dygtig, Sw. dygdig virtuous, and fr. AS. dugan to avail, be of use, be strong, akin to D. deugen, OHG. tugan, G. taugen, Icel. & Sw. duga, Dan. due, Goth. dugan, but of uncertain origin; cf. Skr. duh to milk, give milk, draw out, or Gr.
Able; strong; valiant; redoubtable; as, a doughty hero. Sir Thopas wex [grew] a doughty swain. Chaucer. Doughty families, hugging old musty quarrels to their hearts, buffet each other from generation to generation. Motley.
Note: Now seldom used, except in irony or burlesque.