The term 'Hardly Hale' is a combination of three words: 'ASHY, ' 'ILL, ' and 'FRAIL.' ASHY is an adjective meaning having a grayish or pale color, often due to illness or exhaustion. ILL is an adjective meaning not in good health, especially due to sickness or disease. FRAIL is an adjective meaning physically weak and delicate. Together, these three words describe someone who is very sickly and weak, with a pale complexion.