from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Rarity \Rar"i*ty\ (r[a^]r"[i^]*t[y^]; 277), n.; pl. {Rarities}
(r[a^]r"[i^]*t[i^]z). [L. raritas: cf. F. raret['e]. See
{Rare}.]
1. The quality or state of being rare; rareness; thinness;
as, the rarity (contrasted with the density) of gases.
[1913 Webster]
2. That which is rare; an uncommon thing; a thing valued for
its scarcity.
[1913 Webster]
I saw three rarities of different kinds, which
pleased me more than any other shows in the place.
--Addison.
[1913 Webster]