the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. persevering application; habitual and diligent occupation with productive activity.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. The quality of being industrious; diligence.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. persevering determination to perform a task
Word Usage
"They Open Up waste-land, till the fields, grow vegetables and raise pigs to lighten the people of their burden and to develop industriousness, which is the true mark of the labouring people."