As*per"i*ty (&?;), n.; pl.
Asperities (&?;). [L. asperitas, fr. asper
rough: cf. F. aspérité.] 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.
