{ } n. The quality or condition of being scarce; smallness of quantity in proportion to the wants or demands; deficiency; lack of plenty; short supply; penury; as, a scarcity of grain; a great scarcity of beauties. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]
A scarcity of snow would raise a mutiny at Naples. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]
Praise . . . owes its value to its scarcity. Rambler. [ 1913 Webster ]
The value of an advantage is enhanced by its scarceness. Collier. [ 1913 Webster ]