\Ac"ri*mo*ny\, n.; pl. {Acrimonies}. [L. acrimonia, fr.
acer, sharp: cf. F. acrimonie.]
1. A quality of bodies which corrodes or destroys others;
   also, a harsh or biting sharpness; as, the acrimony of the
   juices of certain plants. [Archaic] --Bacon.
2. Sharpness or severity, as of language or temper;
   irritating bitterness of disposition or manners.
         John the Baptist set himself with much acrimony and
         indignation to baffle this senseless arrogant
         conceit of theirs.                    --South.
Syn: {Acrimony}, {Asperity}, {Harshness}, {Tartness}.
Usage: These words express different degrees of angry feeling
       or language. Asperity and harshness arise from angry
       feelings, connected with a disregard for the feelings
       of others. Harshness usually denotes needless severity
       or an undue measure of severity. Acrimony is a biting
       sharpness produced by an imbittered spirit. Tartness
       denotes slight asperity and implies some degree of
       intellectual readiness. Tartness of reply; harshness
       of accusation; acrimony of invective.
             In his official letters he expressed, with great
             acrimony, his contempt for the king's character.
                                               --Macaulay.
             It is no very cynical asperity not to confess
             obligations where no benefit has been received.
                                               --Johnson.
             A just reverence of mankind prevents the growth
             of harshness and brutality.       --Shaftesbury.