a. [f. STERN a. + -FUL.] Full of sternness, severe, bold. Obs. or arch.
a. 1400[?]. Morte Arth., 2692. Thane stirttes to his sterape sterynfulle Knyghttez. Ibid., 3822. He stekys stedis in stoure, and sterenfulle Knyghttes.
a. 1500. Medulla Gram., Austerus, smert or sternfull.
1849. J. A. Cameron, Monks of Grange, 1. Brave warders all, with sword and lance That guard it round with sternful glance.
Hence † Sternfully adv. rare–1, fiercely.
1582. Stanyhurst, Æneis, etc. (Arb.), 138. For Mars they be sternfulye flayling Hudge spoaks and chariots.
