Mi"ser*y (?), n.; pl. Miseries (#). [OE. miserie, L. miseria, fr. miser wretched: cf. F. misère, OF. also, miserie.]

1. Great unhappiness; extreme pain of body or mind; wretchedness; distress; woe. Chaucer.

Destruction and misery are in their ways.

2. Cause of misery; calamity; misfortune.

When we our betters see bearing our woes,
We scarcely think our miseries our foes.

3. Covetousness; niggardliness; avarice. [Obs.]

Syn. -- Wretchedness; torture; agony; torment; anguish; distress; calamity; misfortune.

• Great unhappiness; extreme pain of body or mind; wretchedness; distress; woe.
  
• Cause of misery; calamity; misfortune.
  
• Covetousness; niggardliness; avarice.