hard-shell I. \ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷\adjective 1. a.: having a hard shell b.: unyielding, confirmed, uncompromising < a hard-shell conservative > 2.often capitalized H&S: of, relating to, or characteristic of the Hard-Shell Baptists II. \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun 1.: hard-shell crab 2.often capitalized H&S: a Hard-Shell Baptist