\As*per"i*ty\, n.; pl. {Asperities}. [L. asperitas, fr.
asper rough: cf. F. asp['e]rit['e].]
1. Roughness of surface; unevenness; -- opposed to
   {smoothness}. ``The asperities of dry bodies.'' --Boyle.
2. Roughness or harshness of sound; that quality which grates
   upon the ear; raucity.
3. Roughness to the taste; sourness; tartness.
4. Moral roughness; roughness of manner; severity;
   crabbedness; harshness; -- opposed to {mildness}.
   ``Asperity of character.'' --Landor.
         It is no very cynical asperity not to confess
         obligations where no benefit has been received.
                                               --Johnson.
5. Sharpness; disagreeableness; difficulty.
         The acclivities and asperities of duty. --Barrow.
Syn: Acrimony; moroseness; crabbedness; harshness; sourness;
     tartness. See {Acrimony}.