Originally: a person considered in respect of his or her bravery, courage, or other admirable qualities (usually with preceding modifying adjective)…

The heartwood of the oak. Cf. heart, n. 15.

absol. A bold man. Now only plural the bold.

A doughty person (now rare). Also in early use, with plural agreement: †those who are doughty; doughty people collectively (obsolete).

A strong and valiant man. Obsolete.

In alliterative verse: A stern or bold man. Obsolete.

gen. (A name for) a person of great physical or mental strength. Also in plural in same sense. Now rare.

A strong and valiant man.

A man of courage and spirit. Obsolete.

A man of spirit and vigour; used esp. in phrases a bit of a lad, quite a lad. Also (colloquial), a spirited girl.

A stout-hearted person.

A bold or daring person.

Used as a personal name or (with possessives) as a quasi-title; also, a person of courage.

As n. One who is valiant; a brave or courageous person.

A zealous or fervent man. Cf. fire, n. 13d. Obsolete.

A sailor. Also: a brave person; a good fellow. Now rare.

As an affectionate form of address (chiefly used by or to a sailor), esp. in phrase my (also me) hearty. Cf heart, n. 22.