Word Study
hard-boiled
CIDE DICTIONARY
hard-boiled, adj.
not given to sentimentality or gentleness; -- of people; as, a hard-bitten character. [WordNet 1.5]
hard-boiled, adj.
- same as hard-bitten. [WordNet 1.5]
- emotionally hardened; -- used of persons. [WordNet 1.5]
- cooked until the yolk is solid; -- used of eggs; as, a breakfast of pancakes and hard-boiled eggs. [WordNet 1.5]
For further exploring for "hard-boiled" in Webster Dictionary Online