Final answer:
The word 'fortitude' in the sentence refers to mental and emotional strength faced with adversity, and 'strength' is the correct definition for it. C is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The underlined word 'fortitude' in the sentence 'There is little reason to fear that women will acquire too much courage or fortitude, for their apparent inferiority...' is most closely defined by the choice c) strength.
Fortitude refers to the mental and emotional strength in facing adversity, which is why 'strength' is the correct option that defines the underlined word.
Therefore, in the context provided, it refers to an inner strength that women might possess despite being perceived as inferior in some way.