Historical clue formulations

• Girded — 2020-05-22
• Girded — 2014-12-20
• Ready for the bad news — 2008-09-26
• Prepared for bad news, say — 2006-11-25
• Toughened — 2002-07-07
• Girded — 2002-02-10
• Ready — 1999-07-22
• Girded (oneself) — 1998-07-08
• Made hard — 1996-05-05
• Made resolute — 1994-09-17