husky

Etymology 1

From husk + -y; in relation to voice, from the sense "dry as a husk" or "tough as a husk".

adj

  1. (of a voice) Hoarse and rough-sounding.
  2. (US, euphemistic) Burly, stout.
    You look like a good, husky man to pitch in the barnyard […] 1910, Hamlin Garland, Other Main-Travelled Roads
    Word got around quickly that this plane, which has been flying since January, is bigger and huskier than our proposed C-5A […] 1965, Popular Mechanics, September issue, page 22
  3. (US) A modifier for boys clothing sizes that fit a large waist or chest.
  4. Abounding with husks; consisting of husks.
    Some swains have sown before: but most have found A husky harvest from the grudging ground.

Etymology 2

Shortening of husky dog, where husky is ultimately from the same Old Montagnais root as Eskimo.

noun

  1. Any of several breeds of dogs used as sled dogs.

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