Aus*tere" (&?;), [F. austère, L. austerus, fr. Gr. &?;, fr. &?; to parch, dry. Cf. Sear.] 1. Sour and astringent; rough to the state; having acerbity; as, an austere crab apple; austere wine.

2. Severe in modes of judging, or living, or acting; rigid; rigorous; stern; as, an austere man, look, life.

From whom the austere Etrurian virtue rose.
Dryden.

3. Unadorned; unembellished; severely simple.

Syn. -- Harsh; sour; rough; rigid; stern; severe; rigorous; strict.

• grim or severe in manner or appearance; stern; strict
  
  Italian
• feminine plural of austero