Isabella Bird

If one's memories of Baghdad women were only of those to be seen in the streets, they would be of leathery, wrinkled faces, prematurely old, figures which have lost all shape, and henna-stained hands crinkled and deformed by toil.

English Explorer

Used to describe skin or surfaces roughened by exposure to the elements, like wind and sun.

Weathered Appearance

'Leathery' can be neutral or even positive, suggesting resilience or the bearing of life's experiences.

Not Just Negative

Most suited for casual or descriptive language, not formal reports or academic writing.

Informal Descriptions

Highlights an object's ability to withstand wear and tear while maintaining its form.

Strength and Flexibility

Often implies that the object has lasted a long time without losing its integrity or function.

Time-Tested Quality

Used to describe plants or animals that are adapted to survive in harsh conditions.

Natural World

 every living adult sea turtle has overcome the odds, existing as a consequence of chance, skill, and capability. The gauntlet each sea turtle faces in the course of its lifetime goes First, deposited as a clutch of leathery, ping-pong ball-sized eggs

The Survival of the Sea...

 Amazingly full lips -- that allow me to eat practically anything that grows. Callouses on my knees that let me kneel comfortably. Leathery chest pads that beat the heat.

Keith Bellows:...

 the fur is gone then cut up into pieces and lightly boiled much of the meat remains raw this creature has fangs claws and leathery