ironbound \ˈ ̷ ̷( ̷ ̷)| ̷ ̷\adjective Etymology: Middle English irenbounden, from iren iron + bounden bound — more at iron, bound : bound with or as if with iron: as a.: harsh, rugged < an ironbound coast > b.: bound with irons : shackled < an ironbound prisoner > c.: rigid, unyielding, rigorous < ironbound traditions > < an ironbound climate >