1Beset by difficulty or trouble; in a difficult position, in difficulty; (in later use especially) hard put to it to do something. Compare "hard" and to be hard set.

2Of liquid, soil, etc.: set so as to be hard or firm.

3Determined, resolute; obstinate.

4Of a person's face, jaw, expression, etc.: rigidly set, especially as expressing or characteristic of determination.

5Of a bird's egg: in which incubation is well advanced.