Early 17th century; earliest use found in Philemon Holland (1552–1637), translator. Apparently from hardy + shrew, perhaps as a folk-etymological alteration of earth-shrew (although this is first attested slightly later).
Definition of hardishrew in US English:
hardishrew
nounˈhɑːdɪʃruː
English Regional, West Midlands rare
A shrew (genus Sorex).
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Philemon Holland (1552–1637), translator. Apparently from hardy + shrew, perhaps as a folk-etymological alteration of earth-shrew (although this is first attested slightly later).