Mr. Lewis said he had imposed stern but reasonable demands, but members called him tyrannical.

He then issued a stern demand for obedience to papal authority and church teachings, including a recent condemnation of Marxist influences.

Both men have been issuing stern demands in what appears to be an effort to establish their bargaining positions.

Hillary and all her colleagues were working themselves to a frazzle under John's stern demands to be thorough, fair, and absolutely closed-lipped.

Such a stern demand is appropriate because once a man becomes a Christian he finds himself enlisted on God's side in a lifelong battle.

Despite Messier's recent stern demand for more fighters to "protect" Ranger players, General Manager Neil Smith isn't expected to sign them.

Visions of joy and of happiness must not obtrude their softly insidious presence beside the stern demands of the moment.

Patrick offered Wendy some crushed ice to keep her hydrated-she initially refused, but relented after a mock stern demand from her husband.

The blasts killed 20 people, and led to stern demands from the Israeli Government that Mr. Arafat crack down on militant Islamic organizations.

Tarn's stern demand penetrated the groom's somewhat wine-ridden haze.