the mind > will > decision > perseverance or persistence > [noun] > one who perseveres > slowly and laboriously (3)
A person who works slowly and laboriously; a persevering toiler; a drudge. Now frequently depreciative.
(A name given to) a dull or commonplace person, a plodder.
(a) adj. that perseveres at things; characterized by perseverance; †(b) n. a person who perseveres at things (obsolete rare).