burly
adj.adj. strong and muscular, especially in a way that looks impressive or slightly scary. You use this to describe a person who looks like they can handle a lot of physical work.
adj. strong, muscular, and imposing in appearance. Often carries a connotation of physical strength or a slightly intimidating presence.
The burly man carried the heavy boxes with ease.
The burly security guard stood at the entrance, looking ready to stop anyone who tried to enter without a badge.
Despite his burly frame, the man was surprisingly agile, able to navigate the narrow mountain paths with the grace of a seasoned climber.
From Middle English burly, burely, borly, burlich, borlich, borlic (“tall, stately”), of uncertain origin. Cognate with Scots burely, burly (“rough, stout, sturdy, strong”). Perhaps from Old English būrlīċ (“noble, stately”, literally “bowerly”), equivalent to bower + -ly; or from Old English byrlīċ (“high, raised”), from byre (“raised area, mound”), cognate with Old High German burlīh, purlīh (“lofty, elevated, high, exalted”), related to Old High German burjan (“to raise, lift, push up”), English burgeon. However, Irish burla (“bundle, pack; burly person”) points to a different origin.
burl + -y