Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Harsh
Harsh
(härsh)
, Adj.
[
Com
par.
Harsher
(härsh′ẽr)
; sup
erl.
Harshest
.] [OE. ]
harsk
; akin to G. harsch
, Dan. harsk
rancid, Sw. härsk
; from the same source as E. hard
. See Hard
, Adj.
1.
Rough; disagreeable; grating
; esp.:
(a)
disagreeable to the touch.
“Harsh sand.” Boyle.
(b)
disagreeable to the taste.
“Berries harsh and crude.” Milton.
(c)
disagreeable to the ear.
“Harsh din.” Milton.
2.
Unpleasant and repulsive to the sensibilities; austere; crabbed; morose; abusive; abusive; severe; rough.
Clarence is so
harsh
, so blunt. Shakespeare
Though
harsh
the precept, yet the preacher charmed. Dryden.
3.
(Painting, Drawing, etc.)
Having violent contrasts of color, or of light and shade; lacking in harmony.
Webster 1828 Edition
Harsh
H`ARSH
, a.1.
Rough to the touch; rugged; grating; as harsh sand; harsh cloth; opposed to smooth.2.
Sour; rough to the taste; as harsh fruit.3.
Rough to the ear; grating; discordant; jarring; as a harsh sound; harsh notes; a harsh voice.4.
Austere; crabbed; morose; peevish. Civilization softens the harsh temper or nature of man.5.
Rough; rude; abusive; as harsh words; a harsh reflection.6.
Rigorous; severe. Though harsh the precept, yet the preacher charm'd.