As*per"i*ty (#), n.; pl. Asperities (#). [L. asperitas, fr. asper rough: cf. F. asp'erit'e.]

1.

Roughness of surface; unevenness; -- opposed to smoothness.

"The asperities of dry bodies."

Boyle.

2.

Roughness or harshness of sound; that quality which grates upon the ear; raucity.

3.

Roughness to the taste; sourness; tartness.

4.

Moral roughness; roughness of manner; severity; crabbedness; harshness; -- opposed to mildness.

"Asperity of character."

Landor.

It is no very cynical asperity not to confess obligations where no benefit has been received. Johnson.

5.

Sharpness; disagreeableness; difficulty.

The acclivities and asperities of duty. Barrow.

Syn. -- Acrimony; moroseness; crabbedness; harshness; sourness; tartness. See Acrimony.

 

© Webster 1913.