Steel

1. a hard, strong grey or bluish-grey alloy of iron with carbon and usually other elements, used as a structural and fabricating material.

   steel girders

1. mentally prepare (oneself) to do or face something difficult.

   his team were steeling themselves for disappointment

   she steeled herself to remain calm

Old English stȳle, stēli, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch staal, German Stahl, also to stay². The verb dates from the late 16th century.