last-ditchern.
/lɑːs(t)ˈdɪtʃə/, /las(t)ˈdɪtʃə/, U.S. /ˌlæs(t)ˈdɪtʃər/ A person who fights in or to the last ditch; a person who maintains resistance or opposition to the end.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > obstinacy or stubbornness > [noun] > obstinate or stubborn person
obstinate1435
mumpsimus1530
obstinant1581
ram-head1605
sitfast1606
stiff-stander1642
obduratea1665
ironface1697
sturdy1704
stiffrump1709
sturdy-boots1762
stickfast1827
impracticable1829
mule1846
bullet-head1848
hardshell1849
die-hard1857
hog on ice1857
last-ditcher1862
thick-and-thinnite1898
jusqu'auboutiste1916
stiff-neck1921
dead-ender1956
toughie1960
1862 J. Barber Let. in War Lett. Disbanded Volunteer (1864) 130 The bellygerents at Fort Poolasky also wants to evackyate, but thars no passidge open... In the neybrood of Bufort, North Caroliny, the Last-ditchers is ekwilly ankshus to clar Out.
1909 Westm. Gaz. 30 Jan. 2/1 The only part he is likely to take in the Social Revolution is to be what may be called a last-ditcher in the attempt to resist it.
1927 Daily Express 19 Nov. 3/1 A constituency which is to be congratulated on a true last ditcher.
1951 A. Koestler Age of Longing ii. i. 205 I would rather have been one of the last-ditchers at Thermopylae.
1977 R. E. Clark & C. L. Roat Metrication & Dimensional Coordination i. 11/2 Most drawings and contract documents are metric, except those for small addition or remodeling work and those which flow from a few last ditchers.
2000 Independent 12 Apr. i. 8/7 The last-ditchers enjoyed a final fling before preparing for defeat.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2014; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1862