from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Harsh \Harsh\ (h[aum]rsh), a. [Compar. {Harsher}
(h[aum]rsh"[~e]r); superl. {Harshest}.] [OE. harsk; akin to
G. harsch, Dan. harsk rancid, Sw. h[aum]rsk; from the same
source as E. hard. See {Hard}, a.]
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.
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2. Unpleasant and repulsive to the sensibilities; austere;
crabbed; morose; abusive; abusive; severe; rough.
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Clarence is so harsh, so blunt. --Shak.
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Though harsh the precept, yet the preacher charmed.
--Dryden.
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3. (Painting, Drawing, etc.) Having violent contrasts of
color, or of light and shade; lacking in harmony.
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