from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Scarceness \Scarce"ness\, Scarcity \Scar"ci*ty\, 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]
Syn: Deficiency; lack; want; penury; dearth; rareness;
rarity; infrequency.
[1913 Webster]