Harsh, stern, or severe in manner; treating others roughly or without compassion.
Compound of 'hard' and 'handed', suggesting a person who strikes or acts forcefully and without gentleness. The metaphor comes from the image of a hard, calloused hand delivering blows or harsh treatment.
Medieval rulers were often described as 'hardshanded'—it wasn't just about their military strength but implied they ruled through fear and pain rather than wisdom or justice.
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