asperity

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Roughness or harshness of sound; that quality which grates upon the ear; raucity. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Roughness to the taste; sourness; tartness. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Moral roughness; roughness of manner; severity; crabbedness; harshness; -- opposed to mildness. “Asperity of character.” Landor. [ 1913 Webster ]

It is no very cynical asperity not to confess obligations where no benefit has been received. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Sharpness; disagreeableness; difficulty. [ 1913 Webster ]

The acclivities and asperities of duty. Barrow. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Acrimony; moroseness; crabbedness; harshness; sourness; tartness. See Acrimony. [ 1913 Webster ]